GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Western New Mexico University softball team held a 4-1 lead in game one thanks to a pair of home runs by Kaitlynn Barnes (Phoenix, AZ/Deer Valley High School), but Colorado Mesa rallied to take that game, 10-4, before sweeping the nightcap, 11-4, Friday in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action.


The first game started off well for WNMU (13-30, 8-22 RMAC) with Barnes connecting on a three-run shot in the first inning that sailed out to left field for an early 3-0 advantage.


CMU (21-13, 19-11 RMAC) would plate a run in the second before Barnes came through again with a solo home run in the fifth to push the lead to 4-1.


The Mavericks would then take over, scoring seven runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth for the 10-4 victory.


WNMU outhit CMU, 10-2, but also committed two errors to zero for CMU, which led to five unearned runs. Four Mustangs tallied two hits apiece in Ashley Eichenberger, Stephanie Higgins (Escondido, CA/Mission Hills High School), Barnes and Ricki Gentry (Lakeside, CA/Christian High School). Arriel Smith (Oakhurst, CA/Yosemite High School) (6-13) took the loss, lasting 4.2 innings, giving up six runs, only three earned on six hits. Bri Robles (Mesa, AZ/Mesa High School) also tossed 1.1 innings, giving up four runs, two earned.


The second game, The Mavs went to work early, scoring three runs on four hits in the first inning for the early lead. They added four more in the second for a 7-0 lead through two. The Mustangs got on the board in the third thanks to a pair of home runs, one from Aimee Vasquez (Ruidoso, NM/Ruidoso High School) and another by Barnes which was an inside-the-park variety homer to trim the deficit to five.


WNMU would get within three in the fifth, with two outs, Brittney Batten (Benson, AZ/Benson High School) doubles and came home on a double by Eichenberger. Barnes then doubled home Eichenberger to leave it a 7-4 contest.


CMU took over from there, plating two runs in the fifth and sixth for the 11-4 victory.


CMU outhit WNMU 16-9, with Barnes collecting three hits and Ashley Gonzales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High School) two.


Kim McKnight (Fruitland, NM/Kirtland High School) (1-3) took the loss allowing four runs, all earned on four hits in one inning of work. Smith also tossed four innings allowing five earned runs and Robles an inning giving up two earned.


WNMU and CMU will conclude their series on Saturday with another doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.