LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — The Mustangs (3-3) battled hard but ultimately fell to CSU Monterey Bay (5-1) in a thrilling, high-scoring showdown on Friday evening, ending at 10-8. Despite the Mustangs launching four homers, an early surge by the Otters proved too much to overcome.

The action kicked off in the second inning when CSU Monterey Bay took advantage of a wild pitch, allowing Alba to advance and score. Shortly after, DeJesus nailed a two-run homer, giving the Otters a 3-0 edge. Western New Mexico answered back in the third. Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) ignited the comeback with a solo shot to right center. Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) singled, paving the way for Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) to smash a two-run homer to right center, pulling the Mustangs within one. Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) then rocked a solo home run to left, tying it up 4-4 by the end of the third.

CSU Monterey Bay reclaimed the lead in the fourth with another two-run homer by DeJesus, plus runs from a groundout and an error, pushing it to 8-4. But the Mustangs weren't done. Spencer blasted a three-run homer, slicing the deficit to 8-7 by the end of the fourth. In the sixth, Morales doubled to center, scoring on Markus' follow-up double, tightening the score to 10-8.

Despite a tenacious defense down the stretch, the Mustangs couldn't quite bridge the gap, as the Otters clinched the 10-8 victory.

Haiven Schoolcraft (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) got the start for the Mustangs, pitching 2 innings and allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 4 hits, with a walk. Alyssa Torres (Tucson, AZ/Tucson Magnet High School) took over, pitching 2 innings and giving up 4 earned runs on 2 hits, with 2 walks. Sophia Solano (Tucson, AZ/Sahuaro High School) delivered a strong relief outing, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings, yielding 4 hits and striking out 2. Labraida Tenorio (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho High School) wrapped up the game, efficiently retiring the only batter she faced with a strikeout.

On the offensive front, Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) had two hits, including a homer, driving in three runs and scoring twice. Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) contributed with two hits, a double, and a home run, adding two RBIs and scoring two runs. Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) chipped in with two hits, including a homer, tallying two RBIs and a run. Isabelle Soto (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe Catholic High School) stood out defensively with four assists at third base.

For the Otters, Kaitlyn Le played a pivotal role, earning the win despite allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings, while striking out five. Kadence Nulick nailed down the save, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout and no hits allowed.

Leading CSU Monterey Bay's offensive charge, Ellie Escalante went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, while Andrea DeJesus was a major force, going 2-for-3 with two homers and four RBIs, showing her game-changing power. In the circle, Kaitlyn Le made her mark with a 2-0 record over her appearances, showcasing her winning capabilities.

The Mustangs now hold a 3-3 record, while the Otters improve to 5-1. The Mustangs will play two on Saturday, starting 2:00pm MT against Western Oregon and at 4:30pm MT against CSU East Bay.

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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).