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Softball Heads to QTI Getterman Classic
The Miners will get their first look at Tulsa at the QTI Getterman Classic in Waco, Texas.

	Stacie Townsend

Feb. 19, 2010

WACO, Texas - The UTEP softball team hopes to keep the ball rolling when it heads to Waco, Texas to take part in the QTI Getterman Classic hosted by Baylor beginning Friday, Feb. 19 and concluding on Sunday.

UTEP wil face Central Arkansas and UT Arlington on Friday, Tulsa and Baylor on Saturday and conclude the tournament with Wichita State on Sunday.

The Miners are coming off a 2-3 weekend at the Hotel Encanto Invitational in Las Cruces last weekend, including a 22-5 route over I-10 rival New Mexico State. UTEP is riding a two-game win streak after falling to UTSA, Penn State and Nebraska to open the season.

After losing to Tulsa in the title game of the Conference USA championship last season, the Miners will be looking to avenge its loss. UTEP will be able to get its first look at the reigning champions, who also come into the tournament 2-3, before conference season.

The Miners are paced by junior Camilla Carrera who comes into the tournament batting a league-high .786 after going 11-for-14 last weekend. She scored eight times while knocking in eight runs and recorded three doubles and two home runs while slugging 1.429.

Stacie Townsend (2-2) is the Miner's ace in the circle, posting two double-digit strike out performances. The senior hurler fanned 14 batters to tie UTEP's single-game record, one she owned. She followed with nine K's against Nebraska, 11 punch outs against versus Colorado State and nine against the Aggies.

In 23.1 innings pitched, Townsend has combined for 43 K's in four appearances. She's walked just seven batters and held UTEP's opponents to under .300.

UTEP will open its home season on Thursday, Feb. 24 when it hosts San Jose State in the first game of the UTEP Softball Invitational. Included in the field is Northern Colorado, San Jose State, Weber State and New Mexico.