UTEP softball lost 8-3 in the series finale against Western Kentucky on April 19 at the WKU Softball Complex.
The defeat leaves UTEP with an overall record of 11-30 and a Conference USA mark of 3-18, while Western Kentucky improves to 33-10 (15-6 in conference play).
Western Kentucky took an early lead in the first inning, scoring two runs on an RBI double and a bases-loaded walk. UTEP responded in the fourth inning when Carranza hit a three-run home run to left field, bringing home two teammates and giving the Miners a brief 3-2 advantage.
However, Western Kentucky answered immediately in the bottom half of the fourth, capitalizing on errors and timely hits to score six runs. The Hilltoppers used a combination of fielding mistakes by UTEP and strong hitting efforts to regain control for good at 8-3.
Offensively, UTEP was limited to just two hits during the game. Carranza accounted for both hits—including her home run—and also drew UTEP’s only walk. In pitching, Gamboa started for UTEP but was charged with the loss after throwing three innings. Ortiz provided one inning of relief before White closed out with two scoreless innings without allowing any hits.
Looking ahead, UTEP returns home for a five-game homestand. The Miners will host Texas Tech—the national runner-up from last year—for a sold-out doubleheader on Wednesday, April 22 at Helen of Troy Field. They will then face Missouri State in a three-game Conference USA series from April 24–26 as part of Senior Weekend. All games are scheduled to be streamed live on ESPN+.
