SAN ANGELO – The No. 22 Angelo State softball team launched three home runs to win its Lone Star Conference opener 11-4 over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Friday night at Mayer Field.

The Rambelles (11-1, 1-0 LSC) recorded eight hits and drew a season high 13 walks. The Javelinas (3-3, 0-1 LSC) were held to just five hits and struck out 10 times. ASU is now 14-2 all-time in LSC openers dating back to 2002. It is the third time this season Angelo State has recorded three home runs in one game.

"I was really proud of the way we swung the bats tonight," Angelo State head softball coach Travis Scott said. "We had to stay patient at the plate today because the first pitcher struggled to throw strikes. It can be frustrating to play that way sometimes as a hitter but we did a good job being patient. We were able to respond after they took the lead and get the big hits." 

Texas A&M-Kingsville took an early 3-0 lead after the top of the third inning off a three-run home run from Victoria Schoonard-Saborio.

ASU had been held hitless and left five runners through the first two innings. Kenedy Urbany quickly changed that with a solo home run to left field. It is the senior's fourth home run of the season and has 34 in her career. Courtney Barnhill singled and would steal third and home to cut the lead to 3-2 after three innings.

After giving up three hits and three runs, Brandy Marlett settled in during the fourth getting a grounder, strikeout and fly ball around a walk.

The momentum changed in a big way in the fourth. Urbany tied the game at three with a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in Brooke Mangold from third base.

A bases loaded walk to Danae Bina gave ASU the lead with Karina Rocha to the plate and two outs. The freshman quickly cleared the bases with her first career grand slam to centerfield. It is Rocha's third home run of the season and extended the lead to 8-3. She finished the night going 2-for-3 with four RBIs and scoring two runs.

The Javelinas added a run with a solo home run in the fifth inning but Marlett didn't allow any more damage. The junior improved to 4-1 on the season striking out 10 and only allowing five hits. It is the second time this season to strike out 10 in a single game.

Alexis Evans capped off the evening with a home run of her own. The senior sent a ball to left center fence that cleared the fence for a three-run home run.  

The Rambelles will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader against Texas A&M-Kingsville at Mayer Field starting at 12 p.m.