LOS LUNAS, N.M. — Western New Mexico Mustangs (1-0) edged out Adams State University (0-1) with a thrilling 9-8 victory on Friday afternoon at Los Lunas Sports Complex.
The Mustangs' offense was powered by four doubles and a pair of home runs that played a crucial role in their scoring push. Western New Mexico squared off against Adams State in what turned out to be a nail-biter. The Grizzlies struck first in the opening inning with a single by Caylie Eiguren, putting them on the board. Adams State extended their lead in the third with a flurry of hits, including a two-run double by Devree Godinez and a two-run homer by Makenzie Simon, pushing the score to 6-0.
But the Mustangs weren't about to back down. In the bottom of the third,
Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) crossed the plate on a groundout by
Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School), followed by a triple from
Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) that brought in
Lauryn Carbajal (Tucson, AZ/Sunnyside High School).
Marleigh Manns (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School) then doubled, driving in two runs and closing the gap to 6-4.
Manns came through again in the fifth with a double that scored
Isabelle Soto (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe Catholic High School), and
Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) chipped in with a clutch single, narrowing the deficit to 7-6. Although the Grizzlies tacked on another run in the seventh, the Mustangs had the final say. Morales kicked off the inning with a homer, and Peters delivered the game-winning two-run walk-off home run, sealing a 9-8 triumph for Western New Mexico.
Peters had a standout performance with a home run and three RBIs, adding to her two hits in four at-bats. Morales also contributed a homer, with two RBIs and a hit in four at-bats. Manns shined with three doubles, driving in three runs and scoring once. Markus chipped in a double and a triple, finishing with two hits and one RBI.
Up next, the Mustangs face off against UC Colorado Springs on Saturday, Jan. 31, with play set to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Los Lunas Sports Complex in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).
