Game One:
ODESSA, TX. — Western New Mexico University (16-23, 12-17 LSC) fell to the University of Texas Permian Basin (15-23, 6-21 LSC) with a final score of 6-4 at UTPB Softball Park. Western New Mexico collected nine hits during the game but could not overcome the opponent's three-run fourth inning.

Western New Mexico took an early lead in the first inning when Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) singled to left field, allowing Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) to score. The inning concluded with Western NM leading 1-0.

In the fourth inning, Western NM added another run. Jadyn Hooten (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial High School), who pinch ran for Peters, scored on a single by Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School), making the score 2-1 in favor of the Mustangs. However, Tex. Permian Basin responded with three unearned runs in their half of the inning, moving ahead 4-2.

The fifth inning saw Western NM close the gap. Aleeya Barwick (Mesa, AZ/Desert Ridge High School), pinch running for Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School), scored on a walk by Peters. Markus also crossed the plate on a walk by Marleigh Manns (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School), tying the game briefly. The Falcons then regained the lead with two runs in their half, making it 6-4.

Despite efforts from Western NM, including a single by Markus in the seventh inning, no further runs were scored.

The final score was Tex. Permian Basin 6, Western NM 4.

Markus collected three hits and scored two runs in the game. Peters drove in two runs with her two hits, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Barwick scored a crucial run after entering as a pinch runner. Alixe De Anda (San Tan Valley, AZ/Red Mountain High School) pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out one batter.

The Mustangs have an overall record of 16-23 and are 12-17 in the LSC. The Falcons hold an overall record of 15-23 and are 6-21 in the LSC.

Game Two:
ODESSA, TX. — Western New Mexico University (17-23, 13-17 LSC) edged past the University of Texas Permian Basin (15-24, 6-22 LSC) with a narrow 8–7 victory at UTPB Softball Park. The Mustangs surged ahead with a pivotal four-run fourth inning, securing their lead despite a late four-run rally by the opposition in the seventh.

Western New Mexico faced UTPB in a closely contested matchup. In the second inning, the Mustangs took an early lead when Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) walked and later scored on a double by Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School), making it 1–0. UTPB responded with two runs, taking a 2–1 lead.

Western New Mexico regained momentum in the fourth inning. Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) singled, followed by a double by Martinez, scoring Peters. An error allowed Ruelaz to reach base, setting the stage for Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School), who hit a three-run home run, increasing the advantage to 5–2. UTPB added one run, bringing the score to 5–3.

In the fifth inning, Marleigh Manns (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School) hit a three-run homer, extending the lead to 8–3. UTPB was held scoreless in their half of the inning.

The seventh inning saw a late surge from UTPB, scoring four runs. However, the Mustangs secured the win with an 8–7 final score.

Marleigh Manns (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School) led the team with three RBIs and a home run, contributing significantly to the offense. Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) matched Manns with three RBIs and a home run, showcasing her impact at the plate. Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) scored two runs and added an RBI, demonstrating her effectiveness on the bases. Labraida Tenorio (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho High School) pitched 6 innings, striking out five and securing the win with 105 pitches.

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face Sul Ross State on Saturday, April 18, at noon at The Yard in Silver City, New Mexico.
  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).