UCCS splits 2-2 against CSU-Pueblo

Women's Softball may have finally found its groove, winning four out of its last six games and ending agrueling nine game losing streak on March 22 against Adams State.

UCCS (8-18, 5-12 RMAC) took on CSU-Pueblo (14-8, 10-6 RMAC) in a two-day double header event March 28-29. Sophomore Christina Blanton put on an impressive performance with a three-run home run that led the team to a 6-5 victory over CSU-Pueblo in Sunday's opener. Blanton finished with one run, two hits and three RBIs. Freshman Lara Mathewson also had a productive first game, recording two runs, two hits and two RBIs.

The Mountain Lions went into the second game of Sunday's double header with momentum and confidence that again led to a much needed 8-6 win over CSU-Pueblo. UCCS kept the strikeouts to five while putting on another offensive show that included seven different players scoring.

The double header on Monday didn't go as planned for UCCS. As the first game got underway, four starters for the Mountain Lions appeared to be visibly ill, and they were said to have a stomach bug. Senior first baseman Jessika Anastos, Freshman second baseman Lara Mathewson, Junior shortstop Traci Everett and Freshman left fielder Kailey Hernandez were sent home after the first game to nurse away their illnesses.

With the loss of four highly productive starters, the lady Mountain Lions lost both games 14-4 and 16-1, respectively.  UCCS was left without four offensive weapons who  combined for a .312 batting average and 68 of the team's RBIs this season. Sophomore Ashley Jordan scored the only run for the Mountain Lions.

UCCS and CSU-Pueblo maintain a long standing history as competitive rivals. Since the teams split the four game series 2-2, the Mountain Lions have increased their lead 23-10 in the 2009-10 Steel & Silver Series. The rivalry series between UCCS and CSU-Pueblo awards four points to the winner of the season series in each of the 10 sports offered by both schools.  An additional five points is awarded to the school whose athletes finish with the better cumulative GPA for the academic year.

The lady Mountain Lions will try to improve their season standing as their RMAC competition begins to gradually heat up again on April 17 when they play Mesa State followed by Fort Lewis on April 18 in Grand Junction.