Albuquerque, N.M. - It was opening day at the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex for the Western New Mexico University Softball team, as they played the first two games in the South Central Region tournament on Saturday. The Mustangs split the day, losing to Colorado Christian 11-3, but redeemed themselves defeating Adams State, 9-4.

Head Coach Ashley Hickman would earn her first win as a Mustang. "Getting back on the field and playing other competition was great today," said Hickman. "We were able to see where we stood and show what fight we have in us."

Game One vs Colorado Christian:

Starting the season off, the Mustangs would take on the Colorado Christian Cougars before falling 11-3.

"The first game of the year always carries a lot of nerves. We had a lot of people putting on a college jersey for the first time," said Hickman. "We are asking them to step up from the beginning and take every opportunity they get to the max."

Seven Mustangs all tallied their first hits of the year. Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School), Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School), and Laryssa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) all had RBI's. Morales was the only Mustang to have an extra-base hit, with her double in the second inning.

The Mustangs found themselves down three runs in the first inning against the Cougars. WNMU would answer back in the top of the second inning, with two runs coming across with a double from Morales and a sacrifice fly from A. Munoz.

In the bottom of the second inning, CCU's Sami Ecdwards doubled in a run putting the score up to 4-2. The Mustangs still fighting back would score another run thanks to a Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School) single, bringing in Cecy Jurado (El Monte, California/South El Monte High school). 

The Cougars got to the Mustangs starting pitcher, Julia Vega (Tucson, AZ/University HS) in the bottom of the 3rd inning, scoring five runs off of five hits, and two errors. CCU would end the game in the bottom of the fifth after bringing in two Cougars, making the score 11-3.

Vega is now (0-1) on the year after going 4.2 innings giving up 11 runs (9 ER) on 11 hits, striking out one, and walking three. The Cougars started Sydeny Rawlings is now (1-0) who went 3.0 innings, giving up three runs (2 ER) on four hits, striking out three, and walking two. Abrie Castillo pitched 2.0 innings, giving up three hits and striking out two.

Four Cougar batters would get extra-base hits that would pay dividends. Edwards would led all hitters going 4-for-4 on the day.

Colorado Christian's Notable Players:

Sami Edwards: 4-for-4, 1 R, 3 RBI

Miki Berg: 2-for-3, 3 R, 1 RBI

Piper Lujan: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB

Sydney Reamer: 0-for-3, 3 R, BB

WNMU Notable Players:

Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School): 1-for-2, 1 R, 1 RBI, BB

Larysaa Morales: 1-for-2, 2B, 1 RBI

Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School): 1-for-1, 1 RBI

Game Two vs Adams State:

The Mustangs bounced back quickly, taking the lead and never looking back to defeat the Adams State Grizzlies 9-4.

"Our bats brought confidence for us in game two. We were able to execute at the plate and put ourselves in a great position," said Hickman. "When you are able to hold them and produce runs, good things will always happen."

The Mustangs freshman pitcher Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School) got her first career start and pitched a complete game. Munoz also would earn her first career win after pitching 7.0 IP, giving up (4 ER), off of four hits, struck out five, and walked one.

"Aryana started ahead in more counts than behind, which is huge for any pitcher to be able to do. She stepped up to help us stay ahead the whole game."

The first three innings both teams couldn't get a run across the board. After a lead off walk and some small ball, senior Marina Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View HS) walked up to the plate and singled to right field, bringing in Sam Gonzalez. The next batter, Bryana Munoz (Dexter, NM/Dexter High School) singled through the left side, bringing in Bree Simmons. Laryssa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) joined in the action by singling in Garcia, giving the Mustangs a 3-0 lead.

"In my 9 years of coaching, Marina had the best opening day as a senior," said Hickman. "She sprayed the field, capitalized on errors, and covered ground defensively. It was an overall solid performance."

In the fourth inning, free bases hurt the Grizzlies, as the Mustangs would capitalize on two runs. Cecy Jurado (El Monte, California/South El Monte High school) would take advantage of the runners on base, singling in a run. At the end of the inning, the Mustangs would lead 6-0.

The Grizzlies would eventually get on the board. In the bottom of the fourth inning, ASU would get a run off of a Sydney Muniz double. In the sixth inning, the Grizzlies found their timing with a pair of doubles. They would also scratch a run with a wild pitch and would cut the Mustangs lead to 6-4.

Walks would hurt the Grizzlies in the 7th inning. Starting the inning off with two walks and a single by A. Munoz, the bases loaded for Kaylee Hickman (Cloudcroft, NM/Cloudcroft High School ). Hickman hit a missile to left field, which initially looked to be a grand slam. It would be reviewed, and be called a ground-rule double bringing in two runners. Simmons would add insurance with a sacrifice fly putting the Mustangs up 9-4.

"Kaylee had four quality at-bats during game two. She was tracking the ball so well, which allowed her to maximize her last at bat with bases loaded.'

Adams State used five different pitchers. Jasmine Garbiso was served the loss giving up five earned runs in 3.0 IP. The Mustangs had five hits and walked twice off of Garbiso. Kailyn Jackson, Kely Key, and Kiersten Bohler would all combine and give up the remaining four Mustangs runs.

Adams State's Notable Players:

Belinda Vargas: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI

Syndey Muniz: 1-for-3, 2B, 1 RBI

Jade Garbiso: 1-for-2, 2 R, BB

WNMU Notable Players:

Bree Simmons: 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI

Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School): 2-for-4, 2 R

Marina Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View HS): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI

Laryssa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, BB

Sam Gonzalez: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB

The Mustangs will finish up the South Central Region Tournament on Sunday, playing against in-state rival New Mexico Highlands at 10:30am and Adams State at 3:30pm.

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).