Game 1:
SILVER CITY, N.M. — The Western New Mexico Mustangs battled hard but ultimately fell to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 7-11, at The Yard on Wednesday, April 1st. Despite hammering out three home runs, the Mustangs couldn't claw back after a decisive seven-run sixth inning by the Javelinas.

The Mustangs got off to a strong start in the first inning when Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) smashed a two-run homer to right center, bringing home Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) and giving Western NM an early 2-0 lead.

Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School) stepped up in the fifth inning, pinch hitting for Lauryn Carbajal (Tucson, AZ/Sunnyside High School), and launched a solo shot to right center, chipping away at the deficit and bringing the score to 4-3.

Western New Mexico showed resilience in the sixth inning. Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) blasted a three-run homer to right field, driving in Jadyn Hooten (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial High School) and Aleeya Barwick (Mesa, AZ/Desert Ridge High School), which briefly narrowed Texas A&M-Kingsville's lead. However, the Mustangs trailed 11-6 at the end of the inning.

In the seventh, the fight continued. Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) drew a walk and scored on a Morales double, but the comeback fell short. The game wrapped up with Texas A&M-Kingsville taking home the 11-7 win.

Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) shined with a home run and three RBIs. Morales was a force at the plate with three hits, including two doubles and a homer, tallying three RBIs. Ruelaz made her presence felt as a pinch hitter with her solo home run. Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) was a standout on defense, racking up six assists.

The Mustangs hold a 15-18 overall record and are 11-12 in conference play, while Texas A&M-Kingsville sits at 20-11 overall and 15-6 in conference action.

Game 2:
SILVER CITY, N.M. — The WNMU Mustangs faced a tough matchup against Texas A&M University-Kingsville on Wednesday at The Yard, falling 16-9. Despite the loss, Western New Mexico's bats came alive with 14 hits, including two home runs.

The Javelinas jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning, highlighted by Dakota Martinez's RBI double and Kennia Chong's three-run homer. The Mustangs roared back in the second when Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School) launched a grand slam to center, tying the game at 4-4. By the end of the second, the Javelinas were up 8-4.

In the third, Western NM chipped away at the deficit. Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) and Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) each knocked in a run with RBI singles, narrowing the score to 10-7 in favor of the Javelinas after three.

Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) sent one over the left-center fence in the sixth, but the Javelinas tacked on another run, pushing their lead to 13-9. A tough seventh inning, marred by a couple of errors, saw the visitors add three more runs, sealing the deal.

Western New Mexico ultimately fell 16-9 to the Javelinas.

Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School) was a standout, driving in five runs with her grand slam. Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) contributed with a solo shot and two hits, crossing the plate three times. Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) scored three runs and collected two hits, including a double, in her four trips to the plate. Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) kept up the pressure with two RBIs and reached base twice on walks.

The Mustangs are set to host Texas A&M International next, with first pitch on Friday, April 3, at noon at The Yard in Silver City. 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).