PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Softball fell in a pair of high scoring games against Lubbock Christian on Wednesday afternoon at Greyhound Softball Field. Taking both games today, Lubbock Christian takes a 2-1 series win over the Greyhounds. In game one, the Chaps scored eight runs in the final inning to slip past ENMU, 10-7. During game two, two big innings gave LCU the win in five innings, 11-2. The Greyhounds slip to 14-6 on the season, while sporting a 7-5 conference record. Meanwhile, the Chaps shift to 8-8 overall with a 7-5 LSC standing.

GAME ONE: LCU 10, ENMU 7

ENMU started on the front foot as Alondra Vasquez clubbed a solo home run to left field to get on the board in the 1^st inning. Lubbock Christian had a difficult time in the batter's box over the first three innings, picking up just one hit through the first four innings. In the 4^th frame, the Greyhounds played long ball again to add to its lead. After Samantha Gutierrez lead off the inning with a double and Marissa Rodriguez walked, Valeria Contreras hit a 3-run home run to left field to push ENMU's lead to 4-0.
 
Over the final three innings, the Chaps started to connect in the batter's box to get on the scoreboard. A two-out single in the 5^th inning and a solo home run in the 6^th inning put LCU on the board trailing two runs heading to the final inning. During the top of the 7^th, the Chaps strung together seven base hits to jump out to a 10-4 lead over the Greyhounds. Five of the first six batters posted a single to tie the game at 4-4, then two doubles, a error, a fielder's choice, and a hit by pitch allowed the Chaps to take the lead. Contreras hit another three-run home run in the bottom of the 7^th inning, but it served as a consolation with Lubbock Christian winning the first game, 10-7.

NOTABLE STATS

• Both teams finished with 10 hits, while ENMU had an even split of five extra base hits and five singles.
• Contreras and Guitierrez each had multiple hits, with Contreras going 3-4 and two 3-run home runs. Vasquez also went long for ENMU in the first inning.
• Rodriguez threw 6.2 innings in the circle, surrendering 10 runs (five earned runs) from 10 hits. Entering the 7^th inning, Rodriguez allowed just two runs and three hits, recording three strikeouts. Ciara Loken tossed a third of an inning, forcing a groundout in the only batter they faced.
• Teoni Lamb earned the win during a complete effort, posting nine strikeouts giving up seven earned runs.

GAME TWO: LCU 11, ENMU 2 (5 INN.)

During game two, Lubbock Christian used two big innings (2^nd inning and 4^th inning) to get out ahead of ENMU. In the 2^nd inning, the Chaps scored all their runs with two outs, with a pair of RBI singles and a 3-run home run putting the visitors ahead 6-0. In between the 3^rd inning, Vasquez launched a solo home run to the opposite field to break up the shutout, 11-1 LCU.
 
Lubbock Christian continued the scoring the 4^th inning, with a grand slam and a solo home run pushing the game 11-1 LCU. During the finale frame, Skylar Hardin pinch hit to start the inning and pulled a ball over the left field fence to cut the score to 11-2. The Chaps recorded the final three outs to end the contest 11-2 in five innings.

NOTABLE STATS

• The teams were close in hits, with the Chaps holding seven hits and the Greyhounds seven hits.
• ENMU had three extra base hits, with five different Greyhounds having a hit, and two ENMU batters recording multiple hits.
• Vasquez and Hardin accounted for both runs and RBIs, each hitting solo home runs. Meilana Lopez finished 2-2 at the plate, recording a double, while Vasquez was 3-3 with the home run.
• Eastern had three pitchers go into the circle, with Jordan Rivera starting the game and going 1.2 IP with six runs allowed. Maggie Smith and Loken both tossed 1.2 innings, with Smith being tagged for five runs.
• Taryn Westbrook earns the win for LCU in 4.0 innings, while Ashlinn Hamilton recorded the final three outs of the game.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Contreras recorded a career best six RBIs, matching an individual high by a Greyhound this season (Gutierrez: 6 RBI vs St. Edward's 2/25/24). The Greyhounds shortstop also had their first multi home run game of their career, with Contreras posting one home run in 2023.
• Vasquez had two home runs over the two games, tying teammate Taighen Whitzel with a conference high six home runs. Vasquez finished 3-3 in game two, their fifth game of three or more hits during the season.
• Rodriguez tied a season best two runs scored, while hitting their second double of the season.
• Hardin recorded their first career hit, being a home run in their pinch hit at bat during game two.
• Loken set a season long appearance (1.2 IP) during game two, retiring all five batters they faced. Smith also set a new career long in an ENMU jersey, throwing 1.2 innings.
• Eastern New Mexico now head out on the road for a three-game series with Cameron. The series starts on Mar. 2^nd, with a doubleheader set for 12 p.m. (MST) and 2 p.m. (MST). Both teams' face-off for the series finale on Sunday, Mar. 3^rd, starting at 11 a.m. (MST).