(RV) Jags sweep Huston-Tillotson in RRAC Opener

Alyssa Carter has been pretty much unstoppable this week.

The sophomore from Sugar Land entered Sunday's Red River Athletic Conference doubleheader vs. Huston-Tillotson on a five-game hitting streak and was coming off a career day vs. Concordia (Texas) on Tuesday when she went 4-for-4 with five RBIs in a 14-5 win.

Carter continued her hot streak against the Rams, going 5-for-5 with three RBIs as UHV posted a pair of 8-0 wins in five innings to open conference play. The speedy outfielder has gone 10-for-10 in her last 10 at bats dating back to Monday's first game against Ottawa (KS). She now leads the team in batting average with a .667 clip.

"I think being the nine-hole has really helped me," Carter said. "I'm able to watch my teammates go through and see what the opposing pitcher is pitching and what's working for them that day. Then I'll go up to the plate with a plan."

Sunday was UHV's third straight win via the run rule as the Jaguars (9-7, 2-0) extended their winning streak to four games.

In Game 1, the Jaguars scored a run in each the first, second and third innings with Allison Snedeker's second home run of the season putting UHV up 3-0 after three innings.

The Jaguars then broke the game open in the fifth with RBIs from VeJeigh Zamora, Carter and Jordan Jones, whose RBI single drove in Kenzie Chambers to walk it off in Game 1.

UHV stayed on the gas to start Game 2, scoring seven runs in the first inning thanks to RBIs from Snedeker, Alexi Wade, Taliyah Martinez and Carter. Jasmine Canales capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the fourth to score Snedeker.

"That's a great way to start conference," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "But I think I'm most excited about the energy they brought today and the level of consistency. The little adjustments they've been making are starting to pay off."

Audrie Sayas and Hope Quinones each turned in gems to earn a winning decision in the pitcher's circle.

Sayas struck out seven while allowing just one hit to the Rams (0-2, 0-2). After allowing the hit in the first inning, the Harlingen native proceeded to retire the next 14 batters in order. She has now thrown 9.2 consecutive scoreless innings going back to Monday's Game 1 vs. Ottawa.

"It's really just trusting in the team and how they back you up," Sayas said. "I feel like that makes me feel a lot safer when I'm pitching and it just allows me to perform better."

Quinones allowed just two hits while striking out a career-high six batters en route to her fifth win this season. Keira Reis threw a perfect inning of relief behind Quinones to close out the sweep for UHV.

The Jaguars continue this six-game homestand on Tuesday with a 2 p.m. doubleheader vs. Texas A&M-San Antonio at the Victoria Youth Sports Complex.