ODESSA, TX – WNMU Softball was in Odessa today to face UTPB in a mid day double-header. Though the Mustangs were able to get on the board first in both games, UTPB would ultimately take the victory in Game one, 2-4, and Game 2, 6-11.
GAME 1:
Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad HS) got things started in the top of the first with a single to first. She was able to advance after a sacrifice bunt for Nichole Armijo (Mesa, AZ/Red Mountain HS) and later stole to 3rd after a wild pitch. Ramona Fossum (Mescalero, NM/Mescalero Apache HS) was able to bring in H. Martinez after hitting a double to right field.
The falcons found themselves hot off the bat in the bottom of the 4th inning and were able to tie the game back up with 2 runs.
In the 6th inning, the Falcons continued showing life over the Mustangs as a 3 run shot over left field wall gave the opponent a 3-run lead.
In the top of the 7th inning, the Mustangs would start with some pop in their bats as Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon HS) led off with a pinch hit double. Continuing the action for the Mustangs, pinch runner Xitlali Trejo (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia HS) would steal to 3rd base and later scored on a Nichole Armijo (Mesa, AZ/Red Mountain HS) sacrifice fly to center field, producing the final score of 2-4.
Kiya Hamar (Forest Ranch, CA/Pleasant Valley HS) was the top pitcher in the circle for the Mustangs as she pitched 6 strong innings, facing 25 batters, and striking out 6.
WNMU's Notable Hitters Included:
Ramona Fossum (Mescalero, NM/Mescalero Apache HS), 2-for-3. (1 RBI)
Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon HS), 1-for-1.
Laryssa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School), 1-for-2.
MSU's Notable Hitters Included:
Quintero, 1-for-3.
Lopez, 2-for-3.
GAME 2:
Kaylee Hickman (Cloudcroft, NM/Cloudcroft High School) was the first to reach first base in the game, taking a ball to the body and getting a forced walk. Once again, R. Fossum made contact off the ball as she brought in K. Hickman off another double for the day. A double error within the same inning would allow R. Fossum to score in the 2nd run for the Mustangs.
In that same inning, the Falcons picked up 6 separate hits to bring in 2 runs and tie back up with the Mustangs.
WNMU took advantage in the 3rd inning of some predictable pitching to bring in 3 more separate runs. By the 4th inning, Mustangs would pull their 2nd pitcher of the game after completely loading the bags defensively with only 1 out. The Falcons were able to utilize this advantage and found ways to put the ball in play and take control of the lead with 4 runners crossing home.
UTPB hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 5th inning and a grand slam in the 6th inning to stretch their margin 11-6.
The Mustangs would earn 6 SOs in Game 2 starting with Labraida Tenorio (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho HS) in the circle.
WNMU's Notable Hitters Included:
Ramona Fossum (Mescalero, NM/Mescalero Apache HS), 2-for-4. (2 RBI's, 1 run)
Kaylee Kickman, 1-for-3.
Adlai Alvidrez (El Paso, TX/Americas HS), 1-for-3.
Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon HS), 1-for-3.
Nichole Armijo (Mesa, AZ/Red Mountain HS), 1-for-3.
MSU's Notable Hitters Included:
Marquez, 3-for-4.
Bumford, 4-for-5.
Parker, 2-for-3.
Andress, 1-for-2.
The Mustangs will face UTPB once more tomorrow at 11 AM MST to end the series in Odessa and head back home to defend The Yard against UT Tyler.
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, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook & Instagram)
