ODESSA, Texas- The Newman softball team split the first two games of the three-game series at Texas-Permian Basin on Friday in Odessa, Texas. The Jets were defeated 2-0 in Game 1, before striking back in Game 2, 1-0.

Game 1:

Texas-Permian Basin (8-17, 1-0 HC) got out of thefirst inning unharmed, after Stephanie Harshberger and Katie Traffas reached base safely in the top of the first. The Falcons used their home-field advantage in the bottom of the frame, converting three hits into two runs, to give UTPB a 2-0 advantage.

UTPB starter Desiree Valero didn't allow a hit until Newman (2-14, 0-1 HC) attempted one last rally in the seventh. Traffas led off the frame with a double to right field, and advanced to second when Erin Monday was hit by a pitch. Briana Hallacy's single advanced Traffas to third, but Valero struck out the next three Jets, to preserve the 2-0 victory. Traffas led Newman offensively by going 2-for-3. Sarah Fipps turned in her best performance of the season, completing her sixth complete game, giving up three hits and two runs, and striking out one Falcon.

Game 2:

The second game of the doubleheader saw another pitcher's dual. Texas-Permian Basin (8-18, 1-1 HC) threatened in the second inning by getting two runners in scoring position, but Sarah Fipps forced the next Falcon to line-out to third base to end the inning. Newman (3-14, 1-1 HC) couldn't get the offense going until the seventh inning, logging only six hits up to that point. Following a Sarah Stutts pop up and Sarah Balderas ground-out, Kaitlyn Padilla singled down the left field line, setting the table for Stephanie Harshberger. The senior laced a double to right center to score Padilla. That would be all starter Sarah Fipps would need. Fipps kept the momentum rolling from Game 1, going the distance again, giving up three hits and striking out two. Erin Monday led the offensive charge for Newman, batting 2-for-3.