LUBBOCK, Texas – After dropping the first game against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 7-2, the Western New Mexico University softball team came back strong to take the second game, 8-5, Sunday to wrap up six games WNMU played in Lubbock to open the season.
In the opening game, WNMU (2-4) fell behind by a run in the first inning but quickly took the lead in the home half. With two outs already on the board, Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) got the inning going with a single. Stephanie Higgins (Escondido, CA/Mission Hills High School) walked and then a triple by Thailyza Ramirez (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) plated both runners to give the Lady Mustangs a 2-1 lead after one.
OPSU (5-2) then took over the rest of the way scoring a run in the second, two more in the third, another in the fourth and then two more in the seventh. The Lady Mustangs threatened with two runners on in the fifth with a single by Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and an error, but a strikeout ended the inning. A Mary Othon (Tucson, AZ/Desert View High School) double in the sixth was the next runner on for WNMU and again a strikeout ended the inning.
OPSU held an 11-5 edge on hits as Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) led the Lady Mustangs with two hits. Heathington led the Lady Aggies with three hits, while Jarzombek posted two RBI. Ramirez accounted for both RBI for WNMU.
Three pitchers logged time in the circle for the Lady Mustangs with Mikayla Austin (Florence, AZ/Florence ) starting and going 2.1 innings and allowing three earned runs. MaryJo Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) tallied 4.1 innings giving up just one earned run before Chantel Purcella (Albuquerque, NM/Albuquerque) completed the game with the final third of an inning.
Arledge went all seven innings to pick up the complete game win for OPSU.
In game two, WNMU went to work on offense right away and never looked back pounding out 12 hits in coming back to gain a split. Playing as the road team in the nightcap, the Lady Mustangs plated three in the opening frame. Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) got things going reaching on an error with one out. Higgins added a single and then a walk to Ramirez loaded the bases. Othon ripped a double down the right field line that cleared the bases for the 3-0 lead.
OPSU would score their first runs in the third making it a 3-2 game into the fourth. Krystal Castillo (Silver City, NM/Silver City) led off with a walk and moved to second on a single by Alicia Enriquez (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite). Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) moved both runners with a sacrifice bunt just in time for a double to left by Higgins to plate both runners. Othon continued her strong game as she delivered a two-out single to score Higgins for a 6-2 lead.
The Lady Aggies refused to go away posting three in the fifth leaving WNMU ahead by just one, 6-5. The WNMU pitching then locked down after Purcella started and went 4.2 innings, Austin pitched the final 2.1 innings and gave up just two hits along with three strikeouts to tally a save.
During that time, the WNMU offense added some insurance with two runs in the seventh. Samantha Munoz (Peoria, AZ/Centennial) opened the inning reaching on a dropped fly ball. Following two outs, Enriquez singled and then Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) doubled to left-center scoring both runners to provide the final score of 8-5.
Othon led the offense with a 3-for-3 game and four RBI. Davi Martin (Silver City, NM/Silver City) and Higgins recorded two hits apiece. Linzy Granger (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) and Higgins added a pair of RBI as well. Barbosa led OPSU with three hits and Heathington knocked in two RBI.
Purcella went the first 4.2 innings to pick up her second (2-0) win of the season allowing five earned runs. Austin tallied her first save going the final 2.1 innings.
Richardson took the loss for the Lady Aggies going 5.0 innings and giving up five earned runs.
WNMU will return to action on Feb. 13 when they open the Desert Stinger in Las Vegas, Nev., against St. Edward’s.
