TYLER, Texas—The University of Texas at Tyler Softball (15-2) dropped the series opener of a three-game slate, 3-1, to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-9) Friday evening at Suddenlink Field.
 
Both teams were able to put runners in scoring position during their half of the first inning but the game remained scoreless. The second inning was a quick one with both teams being retired in order.
 
In the home half of the third inning, the Patriots got on the board after loading the bases. Sophomore outfielder Haleigh Swinney (Crosby, Texas) began the inning with a single down the left field line before advancing to second base on a passed ball. A one out single by senior infielder Victoria Gonzales (Elgin, Texas) followed by a walk to sophomore catcher Ashley Perez (Pflugerville, Texas) put a runner on each base with senior infielder Theresa Gonzales (Elgin, Texas) at the plate. She recorded an infield to score the first run of the ballgame.
 
Neither team could manage a run in the fourth or fifth innings despite plenty of opportunity. UMHB got a runner into scoring position in the top of the fourth, while the Patriots loaded the bases in the home half of the inning. Both pitchers faced the minimum in fifth inning despite Perez hitting a single to lead off the bottom half.
 
The sixth inning belonged to the Cru who took a 3-1 advantage after the top of the inning. UT Tyler surrendered three hits and a walk that allowed the three runs to come around to score. Those three runs would be the difference as the Patriots were unable to trim the deficit.
 
Senior left-hander Colleen Bentke (Brenham, Texas) took the loss on the mound and is now 8-2 on the season. She finished the game with five strikeouts and now has a season earned run average of 1.88. At the plate, five different Patriot batter picked up hits including Perez and Swinney who also reached base two more times via walks.
 
The Patriots will still have an opportunity to win the series on Saturday with the two teams meeting for a doubleheader. The first game at Suddenlink Field is schedules to begin at noon.