LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — The WNMU Mustangs faced a tough challenge on Sunday morning, falling 5-2 to Vanguard University in a neutral-site showdown at Field Green.

Western New Mexico (3-6) racked up eight hits and swiped two bases but couldn't recover from three critical errors. Meanwhile, Vanguard (5-5) made the most of their opportunities, scoring three pivotal runs in the middle innings.

Both squads showcased solid defense from the get-go. In the first inning, the Mustangs notched a single hit thanks to Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) but left a runner stranded. The third inning saw Vanguard capitalize on fielding mistakes, posting two unearned runs to break the deadlock. The Mustangs answered back as Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) scored on a fielder's choice from Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School), trimming the gap to 2-1 after three.

Vanguard widened their lead in the fourth with a sacrifice fly, but the Mustangs struck back with a clutch RBI single from Spencer in the bottom of the inning, bringing home Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) to make it 3-2. Yet, Vanguard responded with runs in the fifth and seventh innings, holding off the Mustangs' rally attempts.

Despite tallying eight hits, the Mustangs couldn't close the deal, wrapping up the game with a 5-2 loss. Spencer shined for Western NM, delivering three hits and an RBI. As the game concluded, Vanguard walked away with the victory, leaving the Mustangs eager to regroup for their next contest.

Spencer was a standout, going 3-for-4 and driving in a run. Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) reached base three times, earning two hits and a walk, along with two stolen bases. Alixe De Anda (San Tan Valley, AZ/Red Mountain High School) pitched a complete game, surrendering eight hits and two earned runs over seven innings, striking out three.

Up next, the Mustangs face off against Simon Fraser for the final match of the West Coast Challenge, at 1:00 PM MT, February 8, in Lake Elsinore, CA. 

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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).