ODESSA, TX---The Lady Mustang Softball program kicked off their 2021 spring schedule over the weekend against NCAA Division 2 UTPB. The doubleheader Saturday was the first games under new Head Coach
Chris Petroski. USW would drop both games of the doubleheader 2-1 & 18-1.
"I thought we played very well on defense in both games. We lacked a lot of hitting and seeing that caliber of pitching. I know we will bounce back and start making more adjustments at the plate and challenging the defense to make plays." said Head Coach
Chris Petroski after Opening Day.
Game 1 for USW was a tight one as UTPB pushed across 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to claim the lead. Freshman
Sierra Flores got the start in the circle for Game 1 and was fantastic in her first career college outing. Flores threw 6 innings allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs. Mikayla Martinez had the only hit for USW in Game 1 and Kenzi Savell scored the only run.
"I am impressed with how she (Sierra) composed herself during tough situations with runners on base and trusting her defense behind her. Sierra did a great job of keeping hitters off balance and allowing her defense to make the routine plays. She showed no fear from the first pitch and looked confident out there" said Coach Petroski of his true freshman starting pitcher.
Game 2 slipped away from the Lady Mustangs in the 3rd inning and UTPB came away with a commanding 18-1 victory.
Madison Ganaway and
Katie Otto each had a hit in the game and Otto scored the only run for USW.
"Being able to play the first weekend is a blessing in itself for the girls. Adjusting to live pitching with spins and different velocity is what we have to work on at the plate. Timing and seeing the ball out of the pitcher's hand to react is going to be key. A lot of our girls have not seen that type of pitching in over a year and it took them a bit to get comfortable. Overall I am very happy with how we competed despite the score in game 2. I believe that we can , together as one, compete with other teams moving forward" said Coach Petroski on his girls effort this weekend.
