Women’s softball (5-5) went 2-3 over the weekend in the Lobo Classic to bring its record to 5-5 after the first two weekends of play.
Led by junior pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn, who earned two wins in the pitcher’s circle, the Bulls defeated the University of Texas El Paso (6-9) and Tarleton State (10-1), but lost to North Dakota State (8-2), New Mexico (9-3) and UTEP.
The Bulls launched five homers over the course of five games and scored 15 runs, with notable batting performances from junior infielder Brianna Castro and senior catcher Olivia Kincanon.
UB lost its first game of the road trip to UTEP, 5-3, in extra innings Thursday night.
Tarantino struck out five batters while allowing two walks and four earned runs in a hard-fought loss. Castro launched a solo homer in the bottom of the second inning to put UB on the board first with a one-run advantage that they would hang onto until the sixth.
But after giving up two runs in the top of the sixth and scoring one of their own in the bottom of the frame, the Bulls gave up three in extras to drop the contest.
Buffalo found its rhythm to take down Tarleton State, 3-2, Friday afternoon in extra innings. Lucyshyn dominated the circle with 10 strikeouts and one walk.
A home run from graduate student utility player Anna Aguon gave Buffalo a 2-0 advantage in the fourth inning, before a rally from Tarleton State in the bottom of the seventh tied the game at two apiece.
Senior outfielder Alexis Matheney was placed on second base to start extra innings and crossed the plate quickly thanks to a single to left field from sophomore infielder Rachel Steffan. Lucychyn struck out two batters with runners in scoring position to hold onto the win for the Bulls.
UB lost 6-3 to North Dakota State in the third game. Tarantino had only one strikeout and allowed six hits in three innings. Freshman pitcher Marissa Calloway stepped in for Tarantino in the fourth, allowing two walks, seven hits and no strikeouts.
The Bulls struck out on 14 plate appearances and left four runners on base.
Buffalo defeated UTEP, 4-1, Saturday night in its fourth game of the weekend thanks to a stellar offensive performance from Kincanon. The Lancaster, NY native went 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs and one walk.
Finally, the Bulls lost to New Mexico, 6-2, as the Lobos came out of the gates hot, putting up a crooked number in the first inning. The Bulls will return to action March 4 when they travel to Hammond, LA to face off against Southeastern Louisiana and Gardner-Webb.
Kayla Sterner is an assistant sports editor and can be reached at kayla.sterner@ubspectrum.com
Kayla Sterner is an assistant sports editor at The Spectrum. She is studying communications with the hopes of being a sideline reporter. In her spare time, she can be found in the gym, watching football or vibing to Mac Miller. Kayla is on Twitter @kaylasterner.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
