Game 1:
SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western NM (16-19, 12-13) powered their way to an 8-2 triumph over Tex. A&M Int'l (9-27, 5-18) at The Yard on Friday, fueled by a barrage of four home runs as part of a nine-hit showing.

The Mustangs wasted no time getting on the board. Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) sent one soaring to right center in the first inning, answering Tex. A&M Int'l's early run and leveling the score at 1-1.

In the second inning, Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School) launched a solo shot to right center, putting Western NM ahead. Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) then stepped up with a single, driving in Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) and stretching the lead to 3-2.

Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) doubled in the third, and Hannah Martinez's (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) single brought her home, pushing the lead to 4-2.

By the fourth inning, the Mustangs were rolling. Marleigh Manns (Los Lunas, NM/Los Lunas High School) drew a bases-loaded walk, tacking on another run and making it 5-2.

Lucero was back at it in the fifth with a solo homer, and Markus followed with a two-run blast, bringing Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) across the plate and extending the lead to a commanding 8-2.

Western NM's defense shut down Tex. A&M Int'l for the rest of the game, sealing the win at 8-2.

On the mound, Alixe De Anda (San Tan Valley, AZ/Red Mountain High School) pitched a complete game gem, giving up just two earned runs and fanning four over 7 innings. Lucero was a standout at the plate, scoring three runs with two home runs and an RBI. Markus brought the firepower with her home run and three RBIs in four trips to the dish. Morales added to the fireworks with a home run and an RBI, showcasing her skills.

Western NM now sits at 16-19 overall and 12-13 in conference play, while Tex. A&M Int'l holds a 9-27 record, with a 5-18 mark in conference action.

Game 2:
SILVER CITY, N.M. — The WNMU Mustangs fought hard but came up short against Texas A&M International, falling 7-3 at The Yard on Friday. Despite the setback, the Mustangs showcased their power with two home runs, part of their seven-hit effort.

Western NM jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) kicked things off with a double to shallow left field, and Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) followed up with a single to bring Markus home, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 edge.

In the second inning, Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) launched a solo homer deep to left, stretching Western NM's lead to 2-0.

The Dustdevils answered back in the fourth inning, putting three runs on the board. Queenandra Dunn's single to left center allowed Sessy Moreno to score, while Victoria Espinoza and Krysta Ruiz each drove in runs to flip the score, 3-2, in favor of Texas A&M International.

Western NM narrowed the gap in the fifth with Markus smashing a solo shot to left center, making it 6-3 after Moreno's three-run blast had extended the Dustdevils' lead.

Closing out the game, Texas A&M International added one more in the seventh with a homer by Austyn Marriage, sealing the 7-3 win.

Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) made her mark with a home run, notching a crucial run and RBI in her three at-bats. Markus was a standout, scoring twice and driving in a run with her double and homer. Peters was steady at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a key RBI. Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) was solid defensively, racking up four assists.

Up next, Western NM will take on Angelo State on Friday, April 10, at 3 p.m. CT. The Mustangs will be the away team at Mayer Field in San Angelo, Texas.
  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).