game one
game two
 
The UTPB softball team opened the 2012 Heartland Conference season just the way they wanted to, taking a 2-0 win over Newman, but struggled at the plate in the second game as the Jets returned the favor with a 1-0 victory in the nightcap. 
 
The Falcons rode the arm of starting pitcher Desiree Valero, who allowed just three hits while striking out 10 for her seventh win of the season.  The Falcons got a two-run double from Chelsey Morgan in the bottom of the first and it was all Valero needed to carry the team. 
 
All three of UTPB's hits came in the first inning including singles by Whitney Khurt and Katelyn Stanley.
 
The Jets threatened in the top of the seventh, picking up two of their three hits in the inning, including a leadoff double by Katie Traffas.  Newman had the bases loaded with no outs, but UTPB got out of the jam as Valero struck out the side to end the threat. 
 
The Falcons' offensive cold spell continued in the second game as they managed just three hits – all singles by Katelyn Stanley, Cene Padilla and Lesli Ericson. 
 
Steph Harshberger broke a scoreless tie in the top of the seventh when she hit a two-out double to right center to plate Kaitlyn Padilla, who reached on a two-out single to third.
 
UTPB moved to 8-18 overall and 1-1 in Heartland Conference play.  The two teams will meet for the third and final game tomorrow at noon at the UTPB softball complex.