Albuquerque, N.M. - Western New Mexico University Softball team played the series finale non-conference game against Colorado State University-Pueblo at Mustang Field.  The ThunderWolves would defeat the Mustangs 8-3. 

The Mustangs scored 23 runs in three games on 29 hits, and averaged .299 over the course of the weekend.

Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School) got the nod on the mound and would pitch into the 7th inning. After allowing two runs in the 1st inning, A. Munoz would allow just one run leading into the 7th.

Four players would record a multi-hit game, tallying 10 hits on the day. Head Coach Ashley Hickman talked about the Mustangs offense saying, "This weekend we showcased our hitting again and be able to get runners on and move them. We had a few innings with runners left on base that was critcal for us to gain momentum in the game."

Marina Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View HS) got the Mustangs on the board with a loud fly ball that would sail over the fence and tie the game at 2-2. Garcia would end the day with 3 hits and would go 6-for-12 for the series.

"Marina continues to be a great offensive threat for us," said Hickman. "She knows her role when she gets into the box and we are loving her aggressiveness at the plate."

In the 2nd inning, Laryssa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) gave the Mustangs the lead with an RBI single. The Mustangs had an opportunity to extend the lead with bases loaded but CSUP's Raelynn Rodgers made a great play tagging third base and throwing a strike to home to get the runner out and end the inning.

In the 5th inning, the ThunderWolves would tie the game by a Katelynn Ralston RBI single.

Looking to pitch a complete game, A. Munoz pitched one out into the 7th inning before getting into some trouble. Munoz would give up four runs before Julia Vega (Tucson, AZ/University HS) would come in and get the final two outs.

Munoz's final line goes: 6.1 IP, 10 H, 8 R (6 ER), 2 K, and 2 BB. Munoz is now (2-3) on the year

CSU Pueblo started Ralston. She would go: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 K,  and 1 BB. Getting the win for the ThunderWolves is Sophia Lishner as it would be her first win of the year. Lishner finished with 6.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K, 2 BB, and 2 HBP.

The ThunderWolves had four players all record a multi-hit game. They would tally 11 hits and have just one extra-base hit.

ThunderWolves notable players:

Raelynn Rodgers: 2-for-3, 3 R and BB

Hannah Hackney:  2-for-3, 2 R and BB

Ashley Tosh: 2-for-4, 1 R, 3 RBI,

Sierra Fuentes Arellano:  2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI

Katelynn Ralston: 1-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI

Mustangs Notable Players:

M. Garcia: 3-for-4, HR, 1 R, 2 RBI

L. Morales: 2-for-3, 1 RBI

B. Munoz: 2-for-3, BB

C. Jurado: 2-for-4, 1 R

The Mustangs will travel to Tucson, AZ, playing the Cactus Classic next weekend. On Friday, Feb. 18, the Mustangs will play Colorado Christian at 10:00am and then Colorado Mesa at 12:00pm. On Saturday, Feb. 19th, the Mustangs will play at 10:00am against Azusa Pacific and at 12:00pm against California University of Pennsylvania. Sunday, Feb. 20th, at 9:00am, the Mustangs will play Simon Fraser and at 11:00am they will play California University of Pennsylvania.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).