American Conference / Andy Meade

Five-Run Third Lifts UTSA Past Memphis in American Softball Championship First Round

05.06.26

GREENVILLE, NC – UTSA used a five-run third inning and held off a late rally to defeat Memphis 8-6 in the opening round of the 2026 American Conference Softball Championship on Wednesday at Joyner Family Softball Stadium.

The Roadrunners (24-32) advance to the second round, where they will face No. 6 seed North Texas at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Memphis (18-39) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Neely Taylor delivered a two-run double to left field, and Deana Cunningham followed with an RBI single.

UTSA responded in the bottom of the inning with RBI hits from Taryn Madlock and Brookelynn Meador to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Roadrunners took control in the third, scoring five runs on five hits and an error. Six consecutive batters reached base during the inning as UTSA built a 7-3 lead.

UTSA added an insurance run in the fifth on a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 8-3.

Memphis rallied in the seventh, scoring three runs on a Faith Brown single and a sacrifice fly by Taylor, but could not complete the comeback.

Arlette Hernandez (14-14) earned the win, allowing six runs on seven hits over six innings. Mya Clark (4-7) took the loss after surrendering six runs in 2 1/3 innings. Reagan Stoudt recorded the final three outs to earn the save.

2026 AMERICAN SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Joyner Family Softball Stadium | Greenville, North Carolina

Wednesday, May 6 | First and Second Round
Game 1: No. 8 Tulsa 2, No. 9 UAB 1 | Box Score

Game 2: No. 7 UTSA 8, No. 10 Memphis 6 | Box Score

Game 3: No. 5 Charlotte vs No. 8 Tulsa | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Live Stats

Game 4: No. 6 North Texas vs No. 7 UTSA | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Live Stats

Saturday, May 9 | Championship
Game 9: Game 7 Winner vs Game 8 Winner | 12 p.m. | ESPN2
Live Stats

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Five-Run Third Lifts UTSA Past Memphis in American Softball Championship First Round