GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The No. 23 Colorado Mesa University Mavericks proved worthy of their ranking and winning streak as they were able to take both games from the Western New Mexico University softball team Saturday to move their winning streak to 27 games. CMU took the first game 7-2 and then 11-4 in the nightcap.

Playing through cold temperatures throughout the doubleheader as all of the other scheduled games in the conference were cancelled due to the big snow storm moving through the area, the teams were able to get both games in.

WNMU (21-28, 17-17 RMAC) struck right away in the first inning of the opener when freshman Yasmeen Gastelum (Phoenix, AZ/Pinnacle) singled to drive in junior Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) with two outs.
Redshirt junior Domi Shone (Gold Canyon, AZ/Mesquite) was cruising to start the game retiring the first nine batters in order to keep the 1-0 lead into the fourth. CMU (32-7, 31-1 RMAC) was able to scratch a run across in the fourth to tie the game at one after four innings.

The Lady Mustangs responded right away to regain the lead in the fifth. After two quick out were recorded, Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) doubled and then moved to third on a single by sophomore Mariangela Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View). Senior Thailyza Ramirez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) delivered the big hit with a single to left-center to score Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and move WNMU back in front, 2-1.

In the home half, the Mavericks took advantage of an error to plate an unearned run and even the game at two.

In the bottom of the sixth, CMU put the game away with five runs on six hits to open a 7-2 lead.

CMU held an 11-8 edge on hits, with Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad), Ramirez and junior Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) posting two-hit games. Three Mavericks had two-hit games and Kaila Jacobi drove in a pair of runs.

Shone went all six innings and ended up with the loss (12-12) allowing six earned runs and had two strikeouts. McKenzie Surface picked up her 16^th (16-3) win of the season to pace the Mavericks going all seven innings and giving up the two earned runs with five punch outs.

In the second game, WNMU tallied all of their runs in the first two innings. In the first, Lacy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and freshman Clarissa Moreno (Tucson, AZ/Desert View) each drew a bases loaded walk for RBI to take the 2-0 lead. The Mavericks wasted little time answering putting up a six-spot in the home half of the inning to take the 6-2 advantage.

Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) trimmed the deficit back to two when she launched a two-run homer to score senior Alicia Enriquez (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite) leaving CMU with the 6-4 lead.

CMU kept adding on to put the game out of reach with a run in the third, a run in the fourth and three more in the sixth for the 11-4 win.

CMU held a 14-8 edge on hits as senior Krystal Castillo (Silver City, NM/Silver City), Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and Garcia posted two-hit games, while Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) had two RBI. Five Mavericks collected two-hit games, while Sarah Phillis drove in three.

Freshman Tiana Salazar (Peoria, AZ/Peoria) started for WNMU going to first 3.1 innings to end up with the loss (8-5) allowing eight earned runs. Senior MaryJo Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) did a solid job in relief going the final 2.2 innings and giving up just two earned runs. Rochelle Talamantes worked the first five innings to grab the win (10-2) for CMU giving up two earned runs.

CMU has already clinched the RMAC regular season crown and will host the RMAC Tournament. WNMU remains in fifth in the conference standings, currently tied with Colorado School of Mines. Along with Colorado Mesa, MSU Denver, Chadron State and Regis have clinched bids for the RMAC Tournament.

WNMU and CMU will conclude their series with another doubleheader Sunday starting at 11 a.m.