Jags take down No. 23 William Carey, Cottey to open season

LECOMPTE, La. – Claire Blinka kicked off UHV's season with a bang on Friday.

The senior from Port Lavaca hit a go-ahead 2-run home run, scoring her and Kaylle Lopez, in the sixth inning against No. 23-ranked William Carey to secure a 2-1 win in the opening game of the LSU Alexandria tournament at Champions Sportsplex. UHV went on to beat Cottey College (MO) 8-7 in the final game of the tournament.

It was the 10^th career homer for Blinka. The Jaguars (2-0) also got doubles from Lopez and Madysin Leighton.

"That's a big way for us to start the season," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "Claire showed why we're never out of any game right away. I couldn't be prouder of her and the team for how they stepped up in both games."

UHV held the Crusaders to just one run on an RBI single by Dee Dee West in the third inning. Senior pitcher Cameron Cowan allowed only two hits over the next four innings to set up the moment for Blinka.

The Shiner native earned the win after throwing a complete game, the 37^th of her career, and striking out four. It was also her 36^th career win in the circle, tying Dawn Villegas for 2^nd most all-time. She broke the tie after earning the win against Cottey in relief of starter Eryn Sanchez.

Junior catcher Kenzie Chambers also caught a runner stealing to keep UHV within striking distance.

"Cameron loves these big games and pressure situations," Ortiz said. "She always delivers for us. She really helped set the tone for our season with her performance today."

The Jaguars also came from behind to beat the Comets thanks to a three-run sixth inning.

A two-run single by Blinka to score Chambers and Leighton gave UHV a 7-6 lead. Alana Ortega tacked on what turned out to be the decisive run when her single scored Lopez.

Blinka was 2-for-4 in the second game with a team-leading three RBIs. Ortega and Lopez each had two RBIs.

Five Jaguars had multi-hit performances against Cottey.

UHV scored three runs in the first inning and another two in the second with RBIs from Chambers, Lopez, Blinka and Ortega, giving the Jaguars a 5-3 lead.

"Not only can we hit throughout the lineup, we can get clutch hits anywhere, too," Ortiz said. "We showed why we feel we're never out of a game today. I can't wait for us to build on this moving forward."

The Jaguars will travel to Schreiner University for a 1 p.m. doubleheader on Feb. 14 before returning home on Friday, Feb. 16, for their home opener with a 1 p.m. doubleheader with St. Thomas (TX).