TYLER, TEXAS – Eastern New Mexico Softball worked a split with #5 UT Tyler taking the second game during a pair of two tight contests. In the opening game, UT Tyler held the Greyhounds off the scoreboard for a 2-0 victory. In game two, ENMU scored three unanswered over the 4^th and 5^th inning to earn a comeback win, 3-2. The Greyhounds now stand at 19-15 on the season, along with a 12-14 LSC record. Meanwhile, the Patriots shift their record to 27-7 overall with an 18-5 LSC record.

GAME ONE: #5 UTT 2, ENMU 0

Eastern started things quickly in the first inning, putting runners on second and third after a Mikenzey Patterson single and a Samantha Gutierrez double. From then, back-to-back strikeouts got UT Tyler out of the first inning. Both teams played strong defense over the next two innings, but the Patriots opened the contest with a run in the 3^rd inning. A pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt put runners on the corners for the Patriots with one out. The next batter reached on a fielder's choice, with the runner at third coming home to score the game's first run, 1-0 UTT.
 
Both teams scattered a few hits over the next two innings, but ENMU put runners in scoring position again in the sixth inning. With two outs, Taighen Whitzel singled to center field, then Xochitl Trejo came in as a pinch runner. Aylene Lucero doubled down the left field line to move two runners in scoring position. However, a groundout ended the inning for ENMU. UT Tyler picked an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run, then picked up the final three outs in the 7^th to win the game 2-0.

NOTABLE STATS

• Both teams finished with five hits in the game, while the Greyhounds made one error in the field.
• Lucero tallied a pair of hits in the game, while three other hitters had one hit.
• During a complete game effort, Emma Southerland was given the loss, giving up two runs on five hits. The Junior picked up four strikeouts in the game, while allowing one run.
• Kaylee Davis earned the win, throwing 5.2 shutout innings with five hits and five strikeouts. Christin Haygood shut down Eastern for the final four outs, picking up their first save of the season.

FROM THE SOURCE

"During the first game, Emma Southerland did a great job keeping their hitters off balance," said Head ENMU Softball Coach Amanda Fefel. "She had great command of the zone and was able to work ahead. The defense also stepped up in a couple situations to keep them from scoring as well," said Fefel. "Offensively, I would have liked to see more production with runners in scoring position, that was the biggest difference in that game. We need to execute with timely hitting in big games like this," said Fefel.

GAME TWO: ENMU 3, #5 UTT 2

UT Tyler began the second game with a leadoff single, coming around to score on a double with two outs to take a quick 1-0 lead. Eastern provided back-to-back singles with two outs in the third inning but didn't find another base hit to tie the game. In the following half inning, a sacrifice fly scored the Patriots second run of the game to hold a 2-0 lead after three full innings.

The Greyhounds pulled back a run in the 4^th inning, with Marissa Rodriguez lifting a home run to the opposite field on a full count pitch, 2-1 UTT. UTT did threaten in the bottom of the inning, getting a runner on second and third with one out. However, a groundout and a flyout ended the innings with the score not changing. Chanler Groves sparked the 5^th inning with a leadoff double, then Patterson followed with a walk. After a pitching change from the Patriots forced two outs, Alondra Vasquez doubled to deep center field to send both runners to the plate to give the Greyhounds a 3-2 advantage. The ENMU defense held the Patriots through the remainder of the game, allowing one hit, as the Greyhounds came away with a win over #5 UT Tyler, 3-2.
 

Eastern New Mexico knocks off #5 UT Tyler, coming from behind to score three unanswered runs!#ENMU #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/yOivRYwQiz

— ENMU Softball (@ENMUSoftball) March 23, 2024

NOTABLE STATS

• Eastern doubled up the Patriots for hits (8-4) with a pair of doubles and a home run.
• Rodriguez finished with a pair of hits, including a solo home run, with six other Greyhounds posting a base hit. Vasquez led the effort for RBIs with two.
• In the circle, Rodriguez earned their eighth win of the season with a complete game effort, inducing 15 groundouts on four hits with two runs allowed.
• Genisis Armendariz was given the loss, allowing all three runs from six hits and a walk over four innings. Haygood pitched the final three innings, keeping the Greyhounds to just two hits with four strikeouts.

FROM THE SOURCE

"In game two, we were able to make adjustments at the plate at the right time. Marissa (Rodriguez) had a great at bat to put us on the board with her home run," said Fefel. "Chanler (Groves) started our rally in the 5^th with her leadoff double and Alondra (Vasquez) came in clutch with her 2-RBI double to score Chanler and Mikenzey (Patterson) to put us ahead," said Fefel. "Marissa did a great job in the circle as well, working ahead of hitters and allowing the defense to work behind her. It was an all-around great team win," said Fefel.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Greyhounds beat UT Tyler for the first time in program history, meeting up for the 9^th time in all-time meetings. The loss for UT Tyler is just their third loss at home in conference plat since joining the LSC, after having an undefeated home record last season.
• Rodriguez tossed their 7^th complete game of the season and earned their second win of the season against a national-ranked opponent (win versus #25 Angleo State, 3-1, 3/9/24). Additionally, Rodriguez hit their third home run of the season.
• Vasquez hit their team leading 11^th double of the season,
• Eastern wraps up the weekend against the Patriots with a 11 a.m. (MST) series finale on Sunday, Mar. 24.