JACKSONVILLE – Behind eight hits and senior Kat Carter's third shutout of the season, Jax State blanked UTEP, 6-0, to win Friday night's Conference USA opener.
 
The Gamecocks (16-7, 1-0 CUSA) have now won their league opener in eight of the last 10 seasons, excluding 2020 when the canceled Covid season did not reach league play.
 
Sophomore Emma Elrod's leadoff single to begin the night in the home half of the first inning put the speedster on base and in position to score just two batters later when Amber Reed doubled to left.
 
Carter, moving to 6-2 in the circle this season, allowed just a single hit and struck out four in the stellar performance. With the Miners (10-10, 0-1 CUSA) held in check offensively, the lead remained at one until Jax State broke free in a five-run fourth inning.
 
The Gamecocks took advantage when UTEP starter Audrey Gallegos struggled to find the plate in the fourth. After Abbi Perkins was hit by a pitch and Ashley Phillips drew a walk, the duo both scored on Aria Davis' double to left. Jaci Underwood and Elrod proceeded to find their way to first via walks as well to load to bases in front of Morgan Nowakowski, who sent a chopper back up the middle and over the pitcher's head for an infield hit. Everyone was able to move ahead safely and Davis scored on the play to make it 4-0. Reed then brought two more baserunners home on a hard hit grounder that found its way under the shortstop's glove and into left for an error.
 
Staked to a six-run advantage, Carter continued to shut UTEP down through the final three innings improving upon Jax State's already impressive 1.57 combined staff ERA entering the day.
 
The Gamecocks and Miners return to action at Jana McGinnis Field Saturday afternoon at 12 p.m. noon. The series will wrap up at the same time on Sunday. Admission is free to all Jax State home softball games compliments of Martin's Family Clothing.