PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Softball returns home for the final series in the month of March, facing Midwestern State in a three-game set. The opening doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. Both teams conclude the series on Friday, March 29, facing off at 12 p.m.

TUNE IN

• This week's games will be covered on the LSC Digital Network. The LSC Digital Network will now offer a single game pass for $15, a monthly pass for $30, and a yearly pass for $140: 3/28 G1 ENMU vs MSU | 3/28 G2 ENMU vs MSU | 3/29 G3 ENMU vs MSU.
• ENMU closes the month of March at home, with Midwestern State traveling from Wichita Falls, Texas. All games at ENMU Softball Field are free for attendees.
• Live stats will be available for each contest this week: 3/28 G1 ENMU vs MSU | 3/28 G2 ENMU vs MSU | 3/29 ENMU vs MSU

SCOUTING THE GREYHOUNDS 

Eastern New Mexico (19-16, 12-15) play their final series before a 10-day gap, following a 4-2 week in LSC action. ENMU started the week with a three-game sweep of UT Permian Basin, picking up wins by a score of 8-0 (5 Inn.), 8-5, and 6-2. Then, the Greyhounds took a road contest against #5 UT Tyler (3-2) to conclude the weekend. In the upset of the Patriots, Marissa Rodriguez pitched a complete game along with two hits in the batter's box, while Alondra Vasquez gave ENMU the advantage with a 2-RBI double in the 5^th inning.

The Greyhounds remain one of the top offensives in the LSC, placing in the top-three in most statistical categories. Eastern has compiled a .326 batting average (3^rd in LSC), along with 297 hits (3^rd in conference), scoring 217 runs (3^rd best in LSC), and posting 197 RBIs (3^rd most in LSC). Additionally, the Greyhounds have forced 112 walks, with 66 doubles and 37 home runs this season. As for pitching, the Greyhounds post a 4.78 ERA, striking out 120 hitters and allowing 168 runs from 252 hits.
 
Coming off a 3-0 week, Rodriguez was recognized as the LSC Pitcher of the Week. They have been the go-to arm for the Greyhounds, leading the team in ERA (3.43), innings pitched (79.2), appearances (18), and wins (eight). Emma Southerland is responsible for seven of Eastern's wins this season, leading the team with 46 strikeouts this season. Jordan Rivera is also a key member of the staff, earning four wins in eight starts this season in the circle. Taighen Whitzel continues their breakout season for the Greyhounds, holding a team best 48 hits, along with 19 walks, and 35 RBIs to hold a .453 batting average. Alondra Vasquez paces the team in extra base hits, holding a team best 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and 39 RBIs. (3^rd most in LSC for RBIs). Samantha Gutierrez has brought home 35 runs this season, while Mikenzey Patterson stands as the leadoff hitter for Eastern, posting a .391 batting average.

SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS

Midwestern State (5-28, 3-21) look to end a five-game losing skid, facing a three-game sweep against Oklahoma Christian during their last series. The Mustangs lost the opening game 8-0, then dropped the following game 3-0. In the series finale, a tight game went to Oklahoma Christian falling 4-3 in 11 innings.

Offensively, the Mustangs hit just over .200 (.208 BA), scoring 79 runs, with 175 hits, providing 71 RBIs. Midwestern State has racked up 43 extra base hits this season, with a .281 slugging percentage, and a .286 on-base percentage. Defensively, MSU hold a 5.20 ERA, with 160 strikeouts, allowing 209 runs on 246 hits.

Multiple Mustangs lead the offense, as Allie Monroe has a team best .264 batting average and 18 RBIs, along with 12 runs scored on 24 hits. Paige Gallegos paces the team with 26 hits this season, while Camile Nunez has crossed the 20 hits mark this season with 23. For the Midwestern State arms, Addison Lindemann has a team low 4.12 ERA, striking out 62 batters over 83.1 innings with pair of wins and five complete games. Kennedy Cameron poses a team high 11 starts this season, marking a 4.36 ERA, with opponents hitting just .204 against them.