After a program-best 19-0 start to the season, the UTA softball team (25-7, 4-5) has struggled with a 4-5 start in conference play and are 6-7 in their last 13.
The most noticeable difference in this stretch has been the drop-off in the performance of the pitching staff. In the first 19 games of the season, the Mavericks held their opponents to 1.95 runs per game and pitched four shutouts. In the last 13 games, opponents have been able to rattle a staggering 10.08 runs per game.
This is due in part to the increase in competition the Mavs have seen, including games against No.