LOS LUNAS, N.M. — The WNMU Mustangs (2-1) squeaked out a thrilling 9-8 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State University (0-3) on Saturday at the Los Lunas Sports Complex.
Leading the charge for Western New Mexico was
Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School), who drove in three runs, including a clutch RBI in the seventh inning.
In a nail-biter from start to finish, the Mustangs went toe-to-toe with Southwestern Oklahoma. The Bulldogs jumped out early with two RBI doubles in the second inning for a 2–1 lead. But the Mustangs didn't waste time responding, with
Antonya Lucero's (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) RBI single cutting the deficit to 2–1 in the bottom half.
The third inning was a game-changer for the Mustangs, as they unleashed a powerful offensive surge. Morales' sacrifice fly and
Abbi Markus' (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) RBI double set up
Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) for a pivotal two-RBI single, catapulting the Mustangs to a 5–4 lead. However, the Bulldogs clawed back in the fourth, scoring three to edge ahead 7–5.
In the fifth,
Marleigh Manns' (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School) sacrifice fly brought the Mustangs within a run, 7–6. The Bulldogs tacked on another in the sixth, stretching their lead to 8–6.
The drama peaked in the final inning. After keeping the Bulldogs off the board, the Mustangs' Lucero stepped up and hammered a walk-off three-run home run, sealing a 9–8 comeback victory. It was Lucero's first homer of the season and a perfect way to cap off an electric game.
Lucero finished with four RBIs, including that decisive three-run blast. Peters came through with two hits and two RBIs, making the most of her opportunities. Markus added an RBI double, pushing runners forward and enhancing the Mustangs' offensive punch. Morales also chipped in with a sacrifice fly, driving in a crucial run at a key moment.
Up next, the Mustangs face off against New Mexico Highlands on Sunday, Feb. 1, with play set to begin at 12:30 p.m. MT 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).
