ARLINGTON - Runs were at a premium in the home opener for the UT Arlington softball team Friday night, as the Mavs defeated Prairie View A&M 2-1 to open the Maverick Invitational at Allan Saxe Field.

Despite being outhit 5-3, the Mavs (6-5) were able to come out on top thanks to a third inning two-run blast by Whitney Walton. The two-run home came an inning after the Panthers hit a home run of their own to take the initial 1-0 lead.

Randi Phillips (4-2) picked up the start in the circle for the Mavs, dominating in the complete game effort. Her only walk didn't come until the sixth inning, while she also finished with three strikeouts and allowed just five hits. UTA's defense was error free on Friday as it backed up the effort from Phillips on the mound.

"The defense and the pitching did great," Head Coach Peejay Brun said. "We got seven out of seven leadoff hitters out and it's always great when you can start out an inning with an out.

The Panthers had the tying run on base in the top of the sixth with two outs.  A line drive to right field would have put runners at first and second for Prairie View, but the lead runner made the mistake of testing Bri Burchianti's arm.  The senior right fielder gunned down the runner at third to erase the threat and keep the one-run lead alive.

NEXT UP
UTA will take the field again tomorrow evening with a double-header beginning at 3:00 p.m.  The Mavs will get a rematch with Prairie View to start the evening, before rounding out day two of the Maverick Invitational with a game against Wichita State at 5:30 p.m. at Allan Saxe Field. 

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for the Maverick Invitational are now available and can be purchased for individual days. All seating is general admission, and tickets can be secured by logging on to UTATickets.com. 

SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2019 UT Arlington softball season, beginning at just $50. All seating is general admission, and tickets can be secured by logging on to UTATickets.com.

FOLLOW THE MAVS
For the latest news on UTA Softball log on to UTAMavs.com or stay connected to the Mavs on social media. Follow the Mavericks on Twitter @UTASoftball.