(RV) Softball run-rules way to sweep of Schreiner

Head coach Lindsey Ortiz feels the depth and experience of this UHV softball squad can be a defining trait.

That showed on Wednesday as the Jaguars erupted for 21 runs to sweep a non-conference doubleheader with NCAA Division III Schreiner University 9-1 and 12-2, both ending in five innings via the run rule. UHV scattered 22 hits between the two games.

The Jaguars improved to 4-2 on the season and extended their winning streak to three games.

"Today, I feel like everybody wanted to add fuel to the fire," said senior Claire Blinka. "We all came out hungry and wanted to do the best we could to put all the pieces together. It felt really great."

Blinka finished the doubleheader 3-for-4 with four RBIs. She broke Game 1 open with a two-run single in the first inning. She had a two-run single in the second inning of Game 2.

Through the first six games of the season, the Port Lavaca native is hitting .500 with a team-leading seven RBIs.

It was the veteran presence Ortiz hoped for with Blinka, Kenzie Chambers, Jordan Jones and Kaylle Lopez combining for 13 hits and eight RBIs in the doubleheader. Chambers also stole two bases, tying the career record of 90 set by Madysin Leighton last year.

"That's what we asked them to do," Ortiz said. "I feel like they're executing right now and they're feeding off each other, and pouring into each other. So kudos to them and I'm excited to watch them keep doing it."

Celeste Lara followed their lead by going 2-for-2 with an RBI after entering Game 2 as a pinch hitter in the third inning. VeJeigh Zamora, making her third start of the season, went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs in Wednesday's series.

"It's always a lot of fun watching people show up whenever they're called upon," Blinka said. "It makes everybody else super excited and we want to do more whenever we get the opportunity."

The Jaguars used five pitchers between the two games with the Mountaineers (0-6) with Hope Quinones and Audrie Sayas each notching their second wins of the season in Games 1 and 2, respectively.

Quinones worked four innings, allowing one run on five hits with three strikeouts in Game 1. Sayas came out of the bullpen to earn the win with a strong two innings in which she allowed just one walk while striking out four.

Keira Reis pitched a perfect fifth inning in Game 1. Alexi Wade started Game 2 and allowed just two runs – only one earned – on two hits in two innings. Jocelyne Galvan made her first appearance for UHV with a hitless fifth inning with one strikeout.

"I've said it over and over; I think we're going to have to use them as a staff," Ortiz said. "I think all five of them that threw today did what they were asked to do. I think Hope and Audrie are leading the pack, but, as we continue to build, I think they're all going to be very important and I'm excited to see them work together."

The Jaguars will hit the road Saturday to face Baker (KS) in a neutral site doubleheader at Southwest Legacy High School in San Antonio.