LUBBOCK, Texas- A 13-run output in the first game helped propel the Western New Mexico University softball team to a 13-3 run-rule five inning victory against Mid America Nazarene. The Lady Mustangs fought tough in the second game against Lubbock Christian before falling, 11-6, Saturday.

WNMU (1-3) started early and scored in four of the five innings. An error helped plate the first run in the top of the first for the Lady Mustangs and after Mid America Nazarene (1-3) tied it with a run in the home half of the inning, the Lady Mustangs offense went to work in the second.

Three of the first four base runners reached as Samantha Munoz (Peoria, AZ/Centennial) and Davi Martin (Silver City, NM/Silver City) singled, around a hit-by-pitch for Alicia Enriquez (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite) loaded the bases with one out. Krystal Castillo (Silver City, NM/Silver City) battled to a 2-2 count then singled down the left field line that scored Munoz. Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) added a single through the left side to score Martin for a 3-1 lead.

Following a fielder's choice groundout marked the second out, Mary Othon (Tucson, AZ/Desert View High School) delivered a clutch triple down the left field line that cleared the bases and had WNMU in front, 6-1.

The Lady Pioneers scored two in the home half and after a scoreless third, the Lady Mustangs would do the rest of the scoring in the fourth and fifth to take the run-rule win.
Thailyza Ramirez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) opened the fourth with a single and then quickly scored on a triple by Munoz. Martin would add a single back to the pitcher and then promptly stole second. Enriquez would bring both runners home with a single to center. The offense wasn't finished with Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) doubling in the next at-bat that scored Enriquez for the 9-3 advantage.

The triples continued in the fifth with Ramirez again leading off and hitting a triple to right field. Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) added a pinch-hit triple that plated both Ramirez and Kymbra Espinosa (Capitan, NM/Capitan ), who walked earlier in the frame. Enriquez closed the scoring with a ground out RBI to second that scored Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and gave WNMU the 13-3 run-rule win.

The Lady Mustangs drilled 13 hits, with eight batters tallying at least a hit. Martin went 3-for-3, with two runs scored. Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad), Ramirez and Munoz posted two hit games apiece, while RBI leaders included Enriquez and Othon each with three, Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) with two apiece.

Chantel Purcella (Albuquerque, NM/Albuquerque) started in the circle for WNMU and picked up her first collegiate victory going three innings and allowing just three hits, along with three strikeouts. MaryJo Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) tossed the final two innings.

In the second game against Lubbock Christian (4-0), the Lady Chaps opened up a 4-0 lead after the first two innings. WNMU got on the board in the third with a pair of runs. Martin singled in front of a two-run homer to right off the bat of Enriquez leaving WNMU down 4-2 heading into the home half.

Lubbock Christian answered with six in the bottom of the third to claim a 10-2 lead entering the fourth. Ramirez opened the fourth off right for WNMU with a single. Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) then reached on an error and after Martin reached on a fielder's choice, the bases were loaded with one out. Enriquez hit a fly ball to center for a sacrifice fly RBI and later an error on a ball hit in play by Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) allowed Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) to score to cap the inning and make it a 10-4 Lady Chaps lead.

Lubbock Christian tallied a run in the fourth and then the teams went scoreless in the fifth and sixth innings before WNMU closed the scoring in the seventh with a pair of runs. Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) hit a one-out double and then quickly scored on a double by Stephanie Higgins (Escondido, CA/Mission Hills High School). Ramirez then brought Higgins home with a two-out double to close the scoring at 11-6.

Lubbock Christian held a 9-6 advantage in hits and committed both errors in the game. Ramirez posted two hits to lead the way. Enriquez accounted for three RBI. Mikayla Austin (Florence, AZ/Florence ) ended up with the loss in the circle for the Lady Mustangs going 2.2 innings and allowing nine earned runs. Purcella tossed a third of an inning and allowed two earned runs, before MaryJo Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) tossed three innings of shutout ball allowing just two hits. Beuthien and Murrietta led the Lady Chaps accounting for eight RBI.

Following a doubleheader with Oklahoma Panhandle State on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. Central Time, WNMU will remain on the road this coming week when they will participate in the Desert Stinger beginning on Feb. 13 in Las Vegas, Nev., against St. Edward's.