UT Permian Basin softball had a number of amazing defensive plays and struck first on offense to open their final series of the 2019 season, but Texas A&M Kingsville used a home run to take the lead for good as the #3 Javelinas won the weekend opener 2-1 Friday night at the UTPB Softball Field in Odessa.

UTPB had three hits in the first inning, including a single to center field by Kayla Martin with Abby Hernandez on first that got by the center fielder that allowed Hernandez to come home to score for an early lead.

Jessica Gonzales was a vacuum at third base, collecting every hard hit ball to the hot corner. She cleanly fielded all six ground balls hit to her and turned a 5-3 double play in the top of the first.

The Javelinas leading home run hitter put Kingsville in the lead in the middle innings. Ruby Chapra hit a ball deep to center field with a runner on third base for the 2-1 lead.

The runs were the only ones that UTPB starter Cindy Juarez gave up on the afternoon. She walked none and allowed seven hits while striking out a pair in the complete game.

Breanna Smith allowed an unearned run for Kingsville, striking out 10 while giving up four hits and a pair of walks with two hit batters.

UTPB and Texas A&M Kingsville will close out the regular season Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. The Falcons will honor their seniors in a ceremony following the game, and there will be free BBQ for the first 100 fans.