Brockmann's late homer helps softball earn opening day split

Friday, February 19

El Paso, Texas

4:00 pm

University of Northern Colorado

0-1

UTEP

1-4

Northern Colorado

UTEP

Photo by: Dean Popejoy

2/19/2021 11:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

UNC softball split its opening day doubleheader against UTEP

By: By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.com

EL PASO, Texas – Emma Brockmann's two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning in game two of Northern Colorado's opening day doubleheader helped the Bears earn the split with UTEP leading to a 3-2 win.

Brockmann brought home Katie Simonsgaard with her home run to right field to put the Bears on top. Simonsgaard doubled before Brockmann stepped to the plate as a pinch hitter.
Brockmann was 2-for-5 on the day with two runs scored and three RBI.

Simonsgaard went 3-for-4 on the day including 2-for-3 in game two. She drove home the first run in the nightcap with a single and error.

Pitcher Maggie Thurston earned her first win of the 2021 season with a solid 5.1 innings of work allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out three.

Nebraska transfer Carson Fischer hit a 3-run home run in her Bears' debut to cap off a four-run fourth inning in game one.

UTEP scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to squeak out the 5-4 win in game one.

What They Said
Head Coach Ben Garcia
"It felt great to get on a field finally to play some games. There were a few nerves tonight not being able to execute plays at times. We did a decent job in some cases and then there were others where I thought we made mistakes that cost us both from a pitching and hitting standpoint. Especially from a hitting standpoint. I think our pitchers are going to get there. They are working awful hard and did a good job staying with us in that second game. We just need to start hitting the ball a little more. I'll attribute that to the early season, all we have seen is a little of our live pitching and what we saw tonight. Hopefully, tomorrow is a better day. It was two close games that could have gone either way. We will take what we had today and learn from that. Hopefully, we continue to get better. It's not about how we played today it's how can we improve tomorrow and each day. That was a team effort today, playing 18 kids. Everyone contributed in a good way which I'm happy about. That's what it's going to take, competing as a team, not as individuals. Hopefully, we continue to take the right steps forward."

Stat of the Day
The combo of Erin Caviness and Maggie Thurston was big in the circle for UNC combining for 10 strikeouts compared to three from UTEP.

Game Notes
- UNC's defense was showing off its skills in game two of the doubleheader completing three double plays.
- Erin Caviness struck out seven batters over 7.1 innings of work. She earned the save in game two.
- Five different Bears had a multi-hit night in Katie Simonsgaard, Paola Villegas, Emma Brockmann, Alyssa Wenzel and Alison Steinker.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado and UTEP will play another twin bill tomorrow afternoon. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for an 11 am first pitch.

To stay up to date on all things UNC softball, visit UNCBears.com follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the UNC Athletics App.