PORTALES, N.M. – After winning its first game since 2016 over Angelo State, Eastern New Mexico softball is set to take on No. 22 West Texas A&M. The three-game set is scheduled for Tuesday (1 p.m.) and Wednesday (12 p.m. and 2 p.m.). Before the Hounds meet the Buffs, please take a look at the Four Bases:

First Base – Claiming History: Going into the second game of a three-game series, ENMU had lost 15-straight to Angelo State. However, after a 9-5 battle with the Rams, Eastern found itself with a win over ASU for the first time in seven years. In the matchup, three different players hit a homerun. Ashley Nickerson hit a first-pitch shot to center field in the first inning and Azalea Martinez added one in the second inning. Pitcher Marissa Rodriguez added two insurance runs in the fifth inning with a blast to left field.

Second Base – High Five: Mikenzey Patterson (.400), Ashley Nickerson (.340), Alondra Vasquez (.333), Azalea Martinez (.324), and Valeria Contreras (.304) lead the Hounds with batting averages of .300 or better. Three of those players – Nickerson, Vasquez, and Martinez – tie for a team-best four homers. Nickerson and Martinez are averaging exactly one hit per game with 33 over 33 contests.

Third Base – Winner's Circle: Marissa Rodriguez improved to 2-2 in the circle after an impressive performance in the team's road win over Angelo State. The freshman went 3.2 innings in relief for Delia Smith and managed to hold ASU to four hits and one run. She went on to strikeout three batters and allow zero walks. Rodriguez has appeared in eight contests and has thrown at least two innings in each outing.

Home – Donations Accepted: ENMU women's soccer is seeking donations of non-perishable food items for a canned food drive held at all three games during this week's series. The food will go to the ENMU Student Pantry which was opened in 2023.