The UTA Softball team (1-1) split its season-opening doubleheader Friday in Tempe, Arizona.
UC Riverside 6, UTA 5
In the season opener against the University of California Riverside, the Mavericks fell short 6-5 in extra innings.
After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Highlanders added three runs while holding UTA scoreless through four innings. Freshman pitcher Mariah Denson made her debut, relieving sophomore pitcher Sam Clakley in the bottom of the fourth. Denson closed the inning, preventing Riverside from crossing the plate.
In the top of the fifth, sophomore infielder Cy’Andria Newton put the Mavericks on the board, making it 4-1.