Tucson, A.Z.. - Western New Mexico University Softball team played their first games in the 2022 Cactus Classic. The Mustangs would split the day against two RMAC foes. WNMU would win 5-3 against Colorado Christian and took a close loss against Colorado Mesa, 4-1.

Game One Against Colorado Christian:

The Mustangs pitching did well, only allowing 9 runs on the day. Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School) would win her third game of the year.

Munoz got the nod on the mound in game one against Colorado Christian and would pitch a complete game. Munoz wouldn't allow a run until the 5th inning.

Three Mustang players would record a multi-hit game. WNMU had 13 hits against the Cougars pitching.

A. Munoz helped herself out, getting the first runs of the game doubling to left center. The Next batter, Breeanna Simmons (Chula Vista, CA/Olympian High School) would touch'em all with a two-run home run to left field. The Mustangs were up 4-0 going into the bottom of the 5th inning.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Kenzie Middleton stepped up to the plate for the Cougars and cut the Mustangs lead to 4-2 with a two-run home run.

In the top of the 6th inning, B, Munoz had an RBI single to give the Mustangs a 5-2 lead. CCU was threatening in the 7th inning, getting a run in. A. Munoz ended the game with a line drive right back at her, where she would then tag second base to end the game due to the runner not tagging up.

Munoz's final line goes: 7.0 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 2 K, and 2 BB. Munoz is now (3-3) on the year.

CCU's starting pitcher, Abrie Castillo got the loss, she is now (1-2) on the year. She would go: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 7 K,  and 1 BB. Sydney Rawlings came in in the 6th inning. Her line would go: 2.0 IP, 1 H , 1 R, and a HBP.

CCU's notable players:

Kenzie Middleton: 3-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Logan Menzies: 1-for-3, 2B, R

Mustangs Notable Players:

B. Simmons: 2-for-4, HR, 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI

A. Munoz: 3-for-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI

B. Munoz: 3-for-4, R, RBI 

Game Two Against Colorado Mesa:

Colorado Mesa would take the pitching dual win against the Mustangs, 4-1.

Julia Vega (Tucson, AZ/University HS) got the start. She would pitch a complete game but got the loss (0-3), going 7.0 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 4 K, and 3 BB. For CMU, they would start Ellie Smith, who would get the win (1-2). She pitched 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 5 SO, and 1 BB.

The Mustangs only run came in the 3rd inning by Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School) putting the ball in play with two outs and forcing the Mavericks defense to make a play. They would have an error, bringing in a runner.

Ashley Bradford got the Mavericks on the board first with a two-run home run in the 3rd inning. Nicole Christensen added to CMU's lead with an RBI single, putting the Mavericks up 3-0 in the 3rd inning. 

The Mavericks extended their lead with an RBI single in the 5th, where the game would stay 4-1.

CMU's notable players:

Ashley Bradford: 1-for-3, HR, R,  RBI, BB

Nicole Christensen: 2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI

Mustangs Notable Players:

C. Jurado: 2-for-4, 3B, 1 R, 2 RBI

B. Munoz: 1-for-3, RBI 

The Mustangs will play day two of the Cactus Classic on Saturday. They will play at 10:00am against Azusa Pacific and at 12:00pm against California University of Pennsylvania. On Sunday, Feb. 20th, at 9:00am, the Mustangs will play Simon Fraser and at 11:00am 

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).