Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University softball team rebounded from a 7-0 first game loss to CSU-Pueblo to take the second game in extra innings, 7-6, Sunday in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action.


In the first game, both teams battled to a scoreless tie through the first two innings. CSU-Pueblo (CSU-P) broke through with a run in the third.


In the fourth, the ThunderWolves posted four runs on four hits to open a 5-0 lead through four.


Western New Mexico University (WNMU) would get a hit in the fifth and would put pressure on in the seventh, with Mary Othon (Tucson, AZ/Desert View High School) singling and BreAnna Eaker (Ramona, CA/James Madison) drawing a walk. CSU-P (18-5, 15-4 RMAC) would close the inning to go on to the 7-0 victory as they added two more in the top half of the frame on a two-run home run.


CSU-P held an 8-4 advantage in hits, as Kale Gahn (Phoenix, AZ/Pinnacle High School) had a strong game for the Lady Mustangs (12-17, 9-9 RMAC) tallying two hits. Domi Shone (Gold Canyon, AZ/Mesquite) (6-9) took the loss lasting four innings, giving up five earned runs on six hits. Eaker also threw three innings, allowing just two earned runs on two hits with three strikeouts. Desiree Lopez (1-1) came on in relief of the injured Justine Bosio to collect the win for the ThunderWolves going six innings.


In the second game, WNMU's offense finally came to life midway through the game with the ThunderWolves already ahead 5-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.


After the first out was recorded, Othon reached on an error. A strikeout followed which would have been the third out of the inning, but WNMU took full advantage of the extra out. Samantha Munoz (Peoria, AZ/Centennial) singled to left and Aimee Vasquez (Ruidoso, NM/Ruidoso High School) added a single up the middle to load the bases. Alicia Enriquez (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite) then cued a shot just out in front of the plate that she was able to beat out for a single that brought home both Munoz and Othon, as both players kept moving on the play as the ball temporarily got past the first baseman. A fielding error followed on a ball put in play by Higgins that reloaded the bases. Ricki Gentry (Lakeside, CA/Christian High School) came on to pinch-hit and placed a perfect shot up the middle that was fielded by the shortstop, but she couldn't make a play at second and then tried to throw home, but it wasn't in time as both Enriquez and Vasquez scored to make it a 5-4 contest. Gahn helped bring the Lady Mustangs all the way back with a single just down the third base line that stayed fair to score  Higgins to tie the game at five after five.


Eaker worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth with two outs, as she induced a groundout to Higgins at first leaving the game tied at five.


WNMU had a chance to win the game in the seventh with two outs and Enriquez at second, but a groundout to second sent the game into extra innings.


CSU-P regained the lead in the eighth with a solo home run, which WNMU had an answer to end the game.


With the dugout on the edge of their seats, Gahn started the inning with a near home run as her line drive shot hit halfway up the left field fence for a leadoff double. Krystal Castillo (Silver City, NM/Silver City) came in to pinch-run, as Fanning followed with a five-pitch walk. After a strikeout marked the first out of the inning, Mariah McDonald (Silver City/Silver City High School) delivered the clutch hit the Lady Mustangs were waiting on with a rope to left that went for a double and scored both Castillo and Fanning giving WNMU the walk-off victory.


WNMU held an 8-7 advantage in hits, with CSU-P committing three errors to one for WNMU. Gahn and Vasquez led the offense with two hits apiece, while Gentry, McDonald and Enriquez each had two RBI.


Eaker came on in relief of Amber Taynton (Lakeside, CA/El Capitan) and went six strong innings to pick up the victory (6-5), as she allowed just three earned runs on five hits, along with one strikeout and no walks. Kelli Henry went the distance for the ThunderWolves, taking the loss (9-2), giving up seven runs, just two earned, in 7.1 innings of work.


WNMU will now hit the road this coming weekend when they will travel to Denver to play Metro State University with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 12 p.m.