Tyler, Texas. - Sunday afternoon, Western New Mexico University Softball took on the No. 1 team in the nation, UT Tyler for a LSC matchup. UTT would win both games defeating the Mustangs 11-4 and 9-3.

Game One:

The Mustangs got down early but would wind up down just a run after putting four runs up in the 5th inning. UT Tyler's offense showed why they are the No. 1 team in the nation putting up six unanswered runs to end the game. 

Aryana Munoz (Dexter, New Mexico/Dexter High School) got the start for WNMU. She pitched 5.1 IP, 13 H, 11 R (10 ER), and 1 BB. Vanessa Hunt (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe High School) closed out the end, where she pitched 0.2 IP and gave up one hit.

The Patriots got on the board first in the 3rd inning, scoring on a bunt. In the 4th inning, UTT found their groove getting four runs off of four hits. They would lead 5-0 going in the 5th inning.

WNMU fought back scoring four runs of their own. The Mustangs would get their first run off a wild pitch. Cecy Jurado (El Monte, California/South El Monte High school) would then step to the plate and bring in two Mustang runners. Next batter, Marina Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Desert View HS) would also single in a run. UT Tyler would lead 5-4. 

In the bottom of the 5th inning, UTT's Amanda Marek hit a solo home run, giving the Patriots 6-4 lead.

The Patriots continued the momentum scoring five more runs. In the inning they had five hits, including four doubles and one home run. 

UTT's starting pitcher, Payton Foster is now (11-1). She pitched a 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 K, and 1 BB. Sarah Gartman came into pitch and her line went 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, and 3 K.

UTT's notable hitters:

Mak Dominguez: 3-for-3, 3B, 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI

Bayli Simon: 2-for-3, 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI

Avery Farr: 2-for-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Shannon Klaus: 2-for-3, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI

Amanda Marek: 1-for-4, HR, 1 R, 1 RBI

Mustangs notable hitters: 

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

M. Garcia: 1-for-3, 1 RBI

B. Munoz: 1-for-3, 2B

Game Two:

Similar to game one, both offenses started out slow until later in the ball game. UT Tyler figured the Mustang pitching and would end up winning 9-3.

The Patriots would strike first in the 2nd inning with UT Tyler tripling in a run. In the next inning, UTT doubled in a run, putting the Patriots up 2-0.

The Mustangs got on the board with four singles. They would end the inning with bases loaded. The Mustangs now trailed 2-1.

UTT continued to add runs in the 4th inning off a pair of doubles and a sacrifice fly. At the end of the inning, UT Tyler led 4-1.

In the 5th inning, UTT's Farr would hit her second triple of the game, bringing in two more Patriot runners.

WNMU's Breeanna Simmons (Chula Vista, CA/Olympian High School) hit a solo home run. The Mustangs would trail 6-2. That is also Simmons 5th home run of the year. 

The Patriots would capitalize on free bases and have three hits in the 6th inning. They would bring in three more runs and lead 9-2.

The Mustangs made the Patriots work in the 7th inning. They led the inning off with two hits. Garcia would come up the plate and single in the last Mustang run. UT Tyler would escape with the bases loaded and win the game 9-3.

The Patriots started Tatum Goff. She would pitch 3.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, and 4 K. Kaylee Davis would get the win and is now (3-1). Her line goes 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K, and 1 BB. Morgan McAlexander finished out the game, getting the final out of the game. 

UT Tyler had 10 total hits with six being extra-base hits. They had four doubles and two triples.

UTT's notable hitters:

Avery Farr: 3-for-3, 2 3B, 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB

Courtney Plocheck: 2-for-4, 2 R

Shannon Klaus: 1-for-3, 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI

Mustangs Notable Players:

B. Simmons: 2-for-3, HR, 1 R, 1 RBI

J. Ruiz: 2-for-3, 1 R,

M. Garcia: 1-for-4, 1 RBI

S. Gonzales: 1-for-2, 2B

The Mustangs will go back home playing Lubbock Christian on Friday, March 18th, and on Sunday, March 20th, they will play Angelo State. First pitch will be at 12:00pm and 2:00pm.

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).