PORTALES, N.M. – With postseason play secured, Eastern New Mexico Softball concludes its home schedule this weekend with a three-game series against St. Mary's University at Greyhound Softball Field. The series begins on Friday, April 26, with a doubleheader scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. ENMU wrap up the series on Saturday, April 27, playing a single game at 12 p.m. The program will be honoring its three graduating seniors, taking place after the conclusion of the series finale (around 2 p.m. on Saturday).

TUNE IN

• This weekend'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: 4/26 G1 ENMU vs StMU | 4/26 G2 ENMU vs StMU | 4/27 G3 ENMU vs StMU
• The Rattlers make the trip from San Antonio, Texas this weekend, as the Greyhounds play their final games at home of 2024. Admission is free to all ENMU Softball Games.
• Live stats will be available for each contest this weekend: 4/26 G1 ENMU vs StMU | 4/26 G2 ENMU vs StMU | 4/27 ENMU vs StMU

SCOUTING THE GREYHOUNDS 

The Greyhounds (24-21, 17-22 LSC) have confirmed postseason softball for the second consecutive season, landing in the #10 seed in the 2024 Lone Star Conference Softball Tournament. The Greyhounds enter off the back of taking one game against Texas A&M-Kingsville on the road. Eastern grabbed the opening game 3-0, with ENMU scoring three runs in the second inning, as Marissa Rodriguez tossed a complete game shutout. The Javelinas took the final two games, 6-4 and 9-5, against the Greyhounds.

ENMU enter the final week of the season as one of the best hitting teams in the conference, landing in the top-five for most statistical hitting categories in the LSC: batting average (.313, 3^rd), on-base percentage (.395, 3^rd), slugging percentage (.499, 2^nd), hits (389, 3^rd), runs (265, 3^rd), and RBI's (237, 3^rd). In the circle, Eastern New Mexico has a 4.41 ERA, striking out 163 hitters and allowing 218 runs from 344 hits.
 
Mikenzey Patterson leads the Greyhounds from the leadoff position, posting a .397 batting average with 36 runs scored. Taighen Whitzel is just behind Patterson for batting average (.390), while leading ENMU with 57 hits, 11 home runs, and 44 RBIs. Samantha Gutierrez holds a .381 batting average with 43 RBIs, while Alondra Vasquez provides 35 runs scored and 44 RBIs. Rodriguez leads the team with a 3.32 ERA, tossing 124.1 innings this season with an 11-10 record and 56 strikeouts. Jordan Rivera has become the other go-to starter, holding a record of 5-3 with 22-appearances and 11 starts. Their 3.52 ERA is second for the team, while posting 47 strikeouts.

SCOUTING THE RATTLERS

St. Mary's (29-22, 24-15 LSC) currently sit in a three-way tie for 4^th place, assuring a place in next week's LSC tournament. The Rattlers come into the series after a short week, facing #4 UT Tyler in a three-game series during the midweek, falling in all three games (L, 4-1, L, 5-0, and L, 10-0).
 
StMU sport a .284 batting average as a team, with 385 hits, scoring 263 runs, along with 228 RBIs. St. Mary's has accumulated 92 extra base hits, posting 60 doubles, nine triples, and 23 home runs. The Rattler's pitching staff holds a 3.45 ERA, recording 137 strikeouts this season. St. Mary's has allowed 222 runs, on 348 hits, with opponents hitting just .261.
 
The offense is led by Reba Reyes, sporting a .350 batting average with a team best 40 RBIs, including 10 home runs, with 45 runs scored. Ericka Gomez provides a team best 52 hits, while Lauren Gonzalez is a threat on the bases, stealing 36 bases on 41 attempts. Savannah Youngblood is the team leader for ERA (1.93), wins (10), and four saves, with 30 of their 31 appearances coming from the bullpen. Breanna Ford leads the Rattlers with 18 starts this season along with 48 strikeouts. Madeline Bloom has five complete games this season, with a team high 89.2 IP in 19 appearances.