Final Stats

ARLINGTON, Texas - Sophomore Sam Clakley continued to be a force in the circle, earning her 21st win of the season in helping UTA earn a split against in-state foe Houston in nonconference play on Tuesday.

The Mavericks, closing the nonconference portion of its slate with a 15-11 record, went to 27-23 for the season with a date with in-state rival Texas State this weekend to close the regular season. UTA used a rally started by the long ball to take a 4-3 decision in Game 1, however, errors would plague the defense in a Game 2 loss, falling 18-5 after four errors.

"Sam C did a good job of coming out and giving us an opportunity to win," UTA coach Kristie Fox said. "When you play a doubleheader in a midweek, of course you want to sweep, but splitting is really important. They're No. 2 in their conference right now with a chance to go and win their tournament. For us to compete really helps us prepare to play the No. 2 team in our conference this weekend."

UTA's series with Texas State opens with a doubleheader on Friday at 4 p.m. The Mavs will celebrate their six seniors on Senior Day with first pitch scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday at Allan Saxe Field.

Clakley became just the seventh pitcher in UTA history to record 21 wins in a season as she recorded the Game 1 win. Clakley pitched her 20th complete game of the year in improving to 21-12. The 21st win put the sophomore in a tie for fifth in single-season history with Teri Lyles (2012) and Amy Kyser (1993). Clakley struck out four, gave up three earned runs and six hits.

"She's one of the toughest kids I know and she always wants the ball," Fox said. "When you get someone who always wants to compete, you tend to give them the ball and give the team more opportunities to get more wins. She's done a lot for our program in the past two years."

The UTA starter downplayed her personal success of the milestone, giving credit to the defense around her for being responsible for what she has achieved this season.

"It's just part of it when you come out and have good defense and strong offense to back you up," Clakley said. "I couldn't have done it without them. I also know Fox has my back when she says she has confidence in me. It's a huge deal (on 21 wins)."

Aileen Garcia, who knocked her fourth homer of the season, led the Mavs with a 2-for-3 effort, picking up a run and a RBI.

After Houston opened scoring with a pair of runs in the second and another in the fourth, it was a pair of homers in the bottom of the fourth that helped spark a comeback.

Garcia and Reagan Wright went back-to-back to open up the frame, both shots over the left-field wall. The inning continued as the bats were hot. Sandra Mendoza took advantage with a two-RBI single to left to put the Mavs into the lead.

The Mavs had positives in Game 2 despite the 13-run deficit in the final box. Mendoza finished with two base knocks, while the team compiled a total of eight hits overall.

"The only thing that I really have to say about the second game is that I was a little disappointed in the errors," Fox said. "We've been really clean the past couple of weeks with some fantastic defense. We really need that to be successful. I loved the fight and the quality at-bats. This team has great chemistry and being able to be confident in those tough situations really speaks to what's going to happen in the future."

Sam Montes picked up the loss in the finale after throwing 3.1 innings, she fell to 4-3. Montes was on the hook for seven runs - six earned - and gave up nine hits. Mariah Denson tossed 2.2 innings, but was responsible for just two earned.