LOS LUNAS, N.M. — The WNMU Mustangs (3-1) charged past New Mexico Highlands (1-3) with an 8-4 triumph at the Los Lunas Sports Complex on Sunday. This was the first victory for the Mustangs against the Cowgirls since 2016.
The Mustangs kicked things off with a bang, seizing an early 2-0 lead thanks to Spencer's single and Morales's RBI single, followed by Manns's sacrifice fly. The Cowgirls fought back in the second inning, tying it up at 2-2 with DeLaTrinidad's two-RBI single.
In their half of the second, Lucero crossed home thanks to Carbajal's fielder's choice. Spencer then smashed a triple to drive in another run. Barwick's single brought Spencer home, widening the gap. A bases-loaded walk and Lucero's two-RBI single wrapped up a dominating six-run inning, leaving the Mustangs firmly ahead at 8-2.
N.M. Highlands tried to rally in the sixth with two runs, including Griego's RBI single, but Western New Mexico's defense locked it down in the final inning, sealing the deal at 8-4.
Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) was on fire, scoring twice, picking up an RBI, and swiping a base in her four appearances.
Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) also dazzled with two runs, a couple of hits, and a crucial triple, driving in one in her four trips to the plate.
Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) added two RBIs and a run, going one-for-four with a stolen base.
Aleeya Barwick (Mesa, AZ/Desert Ridge High School) chipped in with a hit and an RBI, scoring once and pocketing a stolen base in her three plate appearances.
Up next the Mustangs face off against CSU San Bernardino on Friday, Feb. 6, with play set to begin at 12:30 p.m. MT in Lake Elsinore, CA for the West Coast Challenge.
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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).