TYLER, Texas – #5 UT Tyler claimed the series decider against Eastern New Mexico Softball, 8-2, on Sunday afternoon at Irwin Field. The victory for the Patriots secures a 2-1 series win. The Greyhounds shift to 19-16 overall with a 12-15 LSC record. UTT Tyler advances to 28-7, along with a 19-5 conference record.

Following a scoreless 1^st inning, the Patriots erupted for six runs in the bottom of the second frame. A walk and a single to start the inning were brought home on a three-run home run, to put the Patriots ahead 3-0. Later with two outs and the bases loaded, a single brought home a pair of runs, then another single scored the sixth run of the inning for UTT.
 
The Greyhounds responded in the next inning, picking up a pair of runs. Chanler Groves began the inning with a walk and Mikenzey Patterson reached on a single, both advanced to scoring position on a groundout. After Alondra Vasquez reached on a walk, Taighen Whitzel singled down the right field line to score both Groves and Patterson to cut the score to 6-2. After a pitching change, the Patriots escaped the rest of the inning with no other damage.
 
From then, the Patriots defense allowed one base runner after that big third inning, while the Patriots scored a run in the 5^th and 6^th inning to take the series finale 8-2 over Eastern.

NOTABLE STATS

• Eastern gathered four hits during the game, while the Patriots picked up eight.
• Whitzel was one of four Greyhounds to produce a base hit, with Vasquez recording a double. Vasquez posted the Greyhounds lone extra base hit in the game (double).
• Four pitchers entered the circle for the Greyhounds, with Jordan Rivera recording a team long 2.2 innings pitched allowing one run (unearned). Starter Emma Southerland is dealt the loss, allowing six runs over 1.2 innings from four hits with three walks. Ciara Loken faced two batters and allowed one hit, while Marissa Rodriguez allowed one hit, one run, and one walk.
• Kaylee Davis was awarded the victory, tossing 4.1 innings of relief giving up one hit with a strikeout. Christin Haygood started the game, being charged two runs over 2.2 innings.

FROM THE SOURCE

"Today we had to battle from behind to keep the game going all seven innings," said Head ENMU Softball Coach Amanda Fefel. "Our hitters and pitchers were facing a difficult zone to adjust to throughout the game, but it was good to see the bullpen and defense get out of some tight jams along the way. We need to keep battling and start preparing for our next series against MSU," said Fefel.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Eastern return home for their next conference series, as Midwestern State comes to Portales. Both teams begin the series with a double-header on Thursday, Mar. 28, beginning at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.