WICHITA FALLS, TX — Western New Mexico (25-25, 21-19 LSC) defeated Midwestern State University (8-42, 6-34 LSC) 12–10 on Monday at Mustangs Park. Western NM tallied 17 hits, including six doubles and two home runs, to secure the victory. With this win, Western NM has made the playoffs and will play in the postseason conference tournament, marking their first appearance since 2015. The team also broke the school record for home runs in a single season.
Western NM secured a victory against Midwestern State with a final score of 12–10. The game saw multiple lead changes and intense moments throughout the innings, marking the third consecutive win as the series was swept by Western NM.
In the first inning, the Mustangs took an early lead.
Ciara Spencer (Gallup, NM/Gallup High School) doubled to center field, and
Abbi Markus (Sun City, AZ/Willow Canyon High School) singled, advancing Spencer to third. A sacrifice fly by
Lanessa Morales (Vail, AZ/Cienega High School) brought both runners home, giving Western NM a 2–1 lead.
The second inning saw Western NM adding to its lead with
Addisen Byers (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School) walking and scoring on Markus's double to center. However, Midwestern State responded with four runs to lead 5–3.
Western NM added a run in the third inning when
Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) singled, allowing Morales to score from second. Midwestern State countered with a home run in their half, maintaining their lead at 6–4.
In the fifth inning, the Mustangs narrowed the gap as
Jenna Peters (Lake Elsinore, CA/Temescal Canyon High School) hit a two-run homer, bringing Morales home and reducing Midwestern State's lead to 7–6.
The sixth inning was productive for both teams, with Western NM scoring two runs on a single by
Antonya Lucero (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva High School), while Midwestern State matched those two runs to lead 9–8.
Western NM tied the game in the seventh inning.
Maria Ruelaz (Silver City, NM/Silver High School) singled in a run, and
Lauryn Carbajal's (Tucson, AZ/Sunnyside High School) double brought another runner home, leveling the score at 10–10.
After a scoreless eighth inning, Western NM secured the win in the ninth. Ruelaz hit a two-run homer, bringing
Hannah Martinez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad High School) home and setting the final score at 12–10. This victory followed dramatic extra-inning wins in both Game 1 and Game 2 of the series, which Western NM also claimed.
Labraida Tenorio (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho High School) started on the mound for the Mustangs, pitching 4 innings and allowing 7 earned runs on 11 hits, including 2 home runs, with 1 walk and 1 wild pitch.
Alyssa Torres (Tucson, AZ/Tucson Magnet High School) followed, providing 2 innings of relief, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 1 and walking 2.
Alixe De Anda (San Tan Valley, AZ/Red Mountain High School) closed out the game with a 3-inning appearance, surrendering 1 earned run on 2 hits and issuing 3 walks.
Ruelaz posted an impressive performance with three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs. Peters contributed significantly by recording two hits, including a home run, and collecting two RBIs. Morales added two hits and scored twice while driving in two runs. Martinez finished with two hits and scored two runs, adding one RBI to her stat line.
Western NM has a record of 25-25 and is 21-19 in the LSC. Midwestern State holds a record of 8-42 with a 6-34 mark in the LSC.
Tatum Waller led the offensive effort for Midwestern State with three hits and two RBIs in the game. Chipper Mayorga also contributed significantly, recording four hits and scoring three runs. Marisela Landa showcased her power at the plate, hitting a home run and driving in two RBIs. Additionally, Stormy Daniel made an impact with her disciplined approach, hitting a home run and drawing three walks.
WNMU Softball will play TWU in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Championship on May 6th at 12pm MT in Canyon, TX.
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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).
