Silver City, N.M. – After 363 days from their last game, Friday was opening day for the Western New Mexico University's softball team as they split a two-game series against Texas Woman's University at beautiful Dianne Baker Field.
"We were really excited to be back out on the field. With nearly a year, it was really great to be back" said Head Softball Coach Elsa Cocker.
WNMU's pitcher Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School) was stellar for the Mustangs. Munoz pitched in both games, getting the complete-game win in the first game, giving up 2 R (0 ER), 6 H, 4 K, and 2 BB. Munoz is now (1-0) on the season. Brittany Santellanes (El Paso, TX/Americas HS)Â started the second game pitching 3.1Â innings, giving up 4 H, 2 ER, 2 K, and 0 BB.
"Bryana is our workhorse. She wants the ball and is an elite competitor. She did a great job moving the ball and got some big outs when we needed it. She will only get stronger as the season progresses," said Cocker.
The Mustangs got off to a quick 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning after Cecilia Jurado (El Monte, California/South El Monte High school) battled, putting the ball in play with two outs, forcing the Pioneers to make a play, however, two runs scored off an error.
The Pioneers quickly answered back, scoring two of their own, off an error. Munoz regrouped and minimized the damage, keeping the score 2-2.
In the sixth inning, Kaila Burnett (Nanakuli, HI/Nanakuli High & Intermediate School) got things going with a base knock, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Janae Ruiz (Kearny, AZ/ Ray High School) to advance Burnett. Santellanes drove in Burnett to take the lead 3-2. Just an inning later Marina Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View HS), gave the Mustangs some insurance scoring Ruiz.
TWU's pitcher Tatum Quacker also pitched a complete game. Quacker finished the game with 7.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R (1 ER), 8 K, and 0 BB.
"The girls played excellent defense, making big plays and offensively we capitalized on TWU's defensive miscues" said Cocker.
Mustangs to highlight in Game 1:
B. Munoz: (1-0), 7.0 IP, 2 R (0 ER), 6 H, 4 K, and 2 BB
B. Santellanes: 2-3, 1 double, 1 R, 1 RBI
K. Burnett: 2-4, 2 R
J. Ruiz: 2-4, 1 R
GAME 2
Round two didn't go as planned, but the Mustangs battled. Santellanes started Game 2 throwing 3.1 IP giving up 2 ER. Santellanes hadn't given up a hit until the 4th inning. Munoz came in to finish the game throwing the last 2.2 IP and gave up 2 ER.
Throwing three scoreless innings, Santellanes got into trouble after giving up a pair of singles.Munoz came into the game a gave up a two runs double down the left field line by TWU's Taylor Gaulet. Munoz later gave up another hit resulting in a run. In the 5th, the Pioneers added a pair of insurance runs extending the lead 5-0.
The Mustangs wouldn't go down without a fight, Munoz still in the game as the DP smacked a nice single through the right side of the infield bring in Katie Knezevich (Goodyear, AZ/Verrado High School ) and Santellanes.
"Brittany pitched really well and kept hitters off balance. Our hitters battled and started to grind out at-bats as the game went on. We manufactured a couple of runs because of it" concluded Cocker.
Mustangs to highlight in Game 2:
B. Munoz: 2-3, 1 RBI
S. Corral: 2-3, 1 BB
B. Santellanes: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
The Mustangs are now 1-1 on the season and will head to Midwestern State as it is a dual between the "Mustangs"! The double-header starts Sunday, March 7th starting at 11:00am (second game to follow), at Mustangs Park. Seating capacity is at 50% and online ticket sales only!
