Box Score

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Samantha Roberts blasted a grand slam for the Northwestern State softball team to cut a third-inning deficit to 6-5, but the Texas-San Antonio pitching staff recovered and stood strong to win by that score Friday night at Roadrunner Field.

UTSA (12-18, 2-3 SLC) scored its decisive six runs all in the first inning to chase Kelee Grimes (6-8) out of the game. Sara Aasness pitched five no-hit innings of relief to keep NSU (13-20, 2-5 SLC) in the contest, but Morgan Luksa (3-5) tossed three scoreless frames out of the bullpen to get the win for the Roadrunners.

The Lady Demons loaded the bases in the third inning when Brittany Virgoe walked, Jordan Palmer singled and Tara McKenney walked. Kylie Roos drew a two-out RBI walk to get NSU on the board, 6-1. Roberts then cleared the bases with her fifth home run of the year, a grand slam to right center to make it 6-5.

Roos' walk extended her on-base streak to 11 consecutive games.

In the seventh inning, McKenney ripped a two-out double down the leftfield line to give NSU hope, but Luksa was able to force the final batter to groundout to second base to end the game.

UTSA's six runs came on six hits – two doubles and four singles. Geena Garcia's two-RBI single with two outs highlighted the frame. The Roadrunners did not tally a hit the rest of the game, but held NSU to just five hits.

NSU will look to even up the series on Saturday at 2. The Lady Demons will play a doubleheader on Sunday at Sam Houston State beginning at 3.