By Joclyn Aguirre — Staff Writer
A pair of crucial runs in the top of the 12th inning propelled San Jose State softball (28-15, 9-6 MW) to a 5-3 victory against UNLV.
Tied at 3-3, the Spartans plated two runs on three hits to tie the series 1-1 against the Lady Rebels (28-12, 9-7 MW).
Senior catcher Alyssa Avila came in to pinch for Grace Garvey and gave SJSU the 4-3 lead with a single to center field, bringing in freshman pitcher Jenessa Ullegue.
She later came in to score on junior outfielder Makayla Englestad’s single up the middle, making it 5-3.
Bringing heat to the circle, Ullegue earned her 13th win of the season as held it down for the last six innings. She entered the seventh inning and allowed no runs on three hits and struck our four.
SJSU opened up the game and scored in the top of the first inning.
Senior infielder Madison Aurin hit a sacrifice fly to right field and plated freshman infielder Arianna Miranda.
UNLV responded in the bottom of the second inning with two runs.
Junior outfielder Reina Bondi reached on a fielder’s choice that scored the first run to tie the game.
Infielder Justine Federe was safe at first on an error from sophomore pitcher Caroline Bowman, which allowed freshman Lauryn Barker to score and give UNLV a 2-1 lead.
The Spartans had a 3-2 lead heading into the seventh inning, but could not close it out as the Lady Rebels tied the game and send it into extra innings.
With her 18th start of the season, Bowman pitched 3.1 innings and allowed two runs on six hits.
Junior starter Breana Burke was given the loss as she gave up four runs in 11.2 innings pitched.
SJSU will look to take the series Saturday at 12 p.m.
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