EL PASO, Texas – Missouri State softball (20-27, 8-16 CUSA) fell 6-5 in the series finale on the road at UTEP (12-34, 4-20 CUSA) on Sunday morning.
 
The Bears came up on the short end of a back-and-forth battle in Sunday's series finale. Despite getting a leadoff double to start the game, Mo State was unable to put a run on the board in the top of the first, unlike the first two games of the series.
 
UTEP took its first lead of the series with a three-run bottom of the first inning. The Miners utilized three hits, a walk and a stolen base to post a crooked number and take the early lead.
 
Missouri State didn't stay down for long, as the Bears responded immediately in the top of the second with four runs. Mo State loaded the bases via a walk, single and hit by pitch with just one out on the board. Brynn Romine scored the first run on a fielder's choice, before back-to-back bases loaded walks tied the game at 3-3. Kayla Ulrich then had a productive at-bat, sending a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Bears a 4-3 lead.
 
Innings three though five saw both squads post zeroes as Mo State continued to hold on to a narrow one-run lead. After a scoreless top of the sixth for the Bears, UTEP struck in the home half of the frame to reclaim the lead. After a fly out to start the sixth, a double and a single for the Miners tied the game at 4-4. Two batters later, UTEP hit what would be the game-winning two-run homer to left center field to take a 6-4 lead.
 
Down to their final three outs, the Bears continued to battle. With two quick outs on the board, Sofia King hit her first home run of the season to cut the deficit to one run. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to start a two-out rally as a pop up ended the game.
 
Elizabeth Bobbitt recorded the only multi-hit game of the day for Mo State, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. The Bears had five different players drive in runs on the day.
 
Missouri State will close out the regular season at home next weekend as the Bears welcome New Mexico State to Springfield (April 30-May 2). Saturday's game will honor Missouri State's three seniors.