UTPB softball stuck around with St. Edward's in both games Thursday afternoon, but the Hilltoppers edged the Falcons in a pair of 4-1 and 6-3 Heartland Conference contests in Odessa.

The Hilltoppers got started first in game one, scoring a run in the top of the fourth on a sac fly in foul territory. They added a second run in the inning on a single back up the middle to lead 2-0.

Nikki Salazar grabbed one back for UTPB in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Taylor Clancy on a base hit through the right side to get within 2-1.

St. Edward's widened the gap in the top of the seventh, scoring two more in the inning to go ahead by what would be the final 4-1 score.

The Falcons matched St. Edward's with six hits in the opener from six different players.

UTPB  nearly came back in game two after spotting St. Edward's a 4-0 lead. Adrianna Berzoza scored the team's first of the game on a fielder's choice that allowed Irene Valdez to score, making the game 4-1. Both teams traded a pair of runs in the seventh, the Falcons getting two when Miley McKee doubled into left to drive in Ashlynn Williams and Valdez.

Texas-Permian Basin missed out on opportunities late, however, leaving two runners stranded in each the sixth and seventh innings.

Valdez went 3-4 at the plate in game two, scoring twice while McKee drove in two with a pair of hits in four at bats.

The teams close out the weekend Friday afternoon, returning to the UTPB Softball Field at noon for the third of three games.