Box Score GOLDEN, Colo. – Similar to a couple of games played during the regular season against the Colorado School of Mines, the Western New Mexico University softball team was within range Friday, but couldn't quite get over the hump as they lost a tough, 2-1, decision to the Orediggers in the first round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament.
Earlier this season, they lost a one-run and a two-run game at Colorado Mines that went down to the wire and so did this one.
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) started the game strong, getting singles from
Stephanie Higgins (Escondido, CA/Mission Hills High School) and
Mariah McDonald (Silver City/Silver City High School). After a failed sacrifice bunt marked the first out,
Ricki Gentry (Lakeside, CA/Christian High School) singled to load the bases.
Mary Othon (Tucson, AZ/Desert View High School) earned an RBI the hard way as she was hit-by-pitch to bring home McDonald for the early 1-0 lead.
The 13
th ranked Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Orediggers came back in the home half scoring a run on two hits to tie the game at one.
It would remain a 1-1 game into the fourth when CSM came through with a run on three hits for the 2-1 lead.
The Lady Mustangs threatened in the top of the seventh.
Aimee Vasquez (Ruidoso, NM/Ruidoso High School) walked to open the frame and after a failed sacrifice bunt, Higgins and McDonald singled to load the bases with one out. CSM pitcher Kelly Unkrich, the reigning RMAC Pitcher of the Year, buckled down getting a popout and a fielder's choice groundout to leave the bases loaded and help the Orediggers escape with a 2-1 victory.
CSM held a slight 8-7 edge in hits, with McDonald going 3-for-4 and Higgins 2-for-4.
Both pitchers went the distance, with Unkrich recording her 23
rd win of the season (23-1), giving up just one earned run.
Domi Shone (Gold Canyon, AZ/Mesquite) took the hard luck loss for WNMU (11-14), as she went six innings and allowed two earned runs.
WNMU will now face CSU-Pueblo, the fourth seed in the tournament, in a win or go home game that starts at 4 p.m. and will be played at the CSM Softball Field. CSU-Pueblo fought back to take the lead against Adams State before the Grizzlies rallied for the 11-9 victory in their earlier matchup.
