Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University softball team got a much-needed victory in the first game of their doubleheader against Adams State University Saturday pulling out the 6-2 victory before falling in the second game, 7-1, in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action.


Adams State University (ASU) struck first with a run in the second. Western New Mexico University (WNMU) answered back in the home half and never looked back. Mary Othon (Tucson, AZ/Desert View High School) started the frame with a walk. After a flyout and strikeout, Aimee Vasquez (Ruidoso, NM/Ruidoso High School) connected on a home run to left to score Othon and give the Lady Mustangs (18-29, 15-21 RMAC) a 2-1 lead.


In the third, Stephanie Higgins (Escondido, CA/Mission Hills High School) doubled to open the inning and later came home on a two out single to left by Ricki Gentry (Lakeside, CA/Christian High School) to move the lead to two, 3-1.


In the fifth, Alicia Enriquez (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite) reached on an error and moved to second on a single by Higgins. Mariah McDonald (Silver City/Silver City High School) singled to load the bases. Kale Gahn (Phoenix, AZ/Pinnacle High School) brought one home on an RBI groundout before Gentry delivered the big blow with a two-run single to left for a 6-1 lead.


ASU (19-15, 18-11 RMAC) would score the last run of the game in the seventh to provide the final margin.


ASU held a 9-7 edge in hits, with Higgins (3-4) and Gentry (2-3) leading the way for the Lady Mustangs. Gentry also had three RBI, while Vasquez added two.


Domi Shone (Gold Canyon, AZ/Mesquite) dominated in the circle in picking up her 10^th victory (10-13) of the season going all seven innings and giving up two earned runs.


In the second game, the Grizzlies scored all seven of their runs over the first four innings to take control. WNMU posted their run in the third when Gahn delivered an RBI single to score Enriquez who opened the inning with a single.


WNMU threatened in the first getting two on with a single and an error, but would leave both stranded. The Lady Mustangs had a hit each in the fifth and sixth, but that would be all with ASU coming away with the win.


ASU held the 11-5 advantage in hits, as Higgins again led the way with two hits. McWilliams was strong in the circle for ASU improving to 7-0 as she went all seven innings for the win. BreAnna Eaker (Ramona, CA/James Madison) took the loss (7-12), as she tossed 2.2 innings and allowed five earned runs. Amber Taynton (Lakeside, CA/El Capitan) threw a strong 4.1 innings in relief giving up just two earned runs.


The win in the first game was large for WNMU as it moved them back into eighth in the conference standings. Fort Lewis remains in seventh after splitting with Colorado Christian, while Chadron State lost both games at Colorado Mesa to fall into ninth.


It all comes down to the final doubleheader of the regular season as WNMU will look to secure their spot in the RMAC Tournament Sunday with first pitch against Adams State set for 11 a.m.