EL PASO, Texas – Jax State softball dropped its opening game of the weekend at UTEP Thursday night when a sixth-inning grand slam for the Miners propelled the home team to a come-from-behind victory.
 
The Gamecocks (12-21, 2-5 CUSA) led 3-1 heading into the home half of the sixth when starter Kat Carter, who allowed just two extra-base hits all game, ran into trouble. UTEP (18-9, 4-3 CUSA) started the big inning with a leadoff walk before three singles loaded the bases and drove in the first of five runs. With the bases full, UTEP's Anna Sample turned around just her second homer of the season for a go-ahead grand slam to make it 6-3.
 
Not going away easily, senior Lindsey Richardson hit her team-leading ninth home run of the season for a two-run shot to cut the margin to one run after Megan Rasmussen found her was on base ahead of Richardson. But the rally would come up short as the Miners shut the door the rest of the way without further damage.
 
Jax State led most of the night after taking an early lead with a three-run, second inning. Ashley Phillips opened the second with a single to left to start Jax State's best inning offensively. UTEP's Taja Felder lost the zone hitting Morgan Nowakowski and walking Makalyn Kyser to load the bases. Caroline Lively provided the first run of the night battling through eight pitches to draw another walk before Emma Jones-Hubbard drove in two with a two-out single through the gap.
 
Jax State and UTEP will return for game two of the weekend series Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Mountain Time (4 p.m. CT).