MANSFIELD, Texas – Eastern New Mexico softball opened the season and day with two wins in the Lone Star D2 College Classic. In the opening contest, Eastern earned a 7-4 victory against Minnesota Duluth. The Hounds then faced nationally ranked Augustana University directly after their win against the Bulldogs, playing an eight-inning game which resulted in a walk off victory over a top ten team with a final score of 10-9.
GAME 1: ENMU 7 – UMD 4
Miranda Guillen started in the circle in game one and pitched a complete game earning 10 strikeouts, allowing nine hits, four runs, and four walks.
The Bulldogs began the game with a 2-0 lead after a home run. The Greyhounds proceeded to score three runs in the second inning and four runs in the third inning while allowing zero runs to Minnesota Duluth, taking the lead. Runs were scored thanks to a sacrifice bunt from Alexa Ayala. Emily Marsh hit a grand slam in the third inning, allowing the Hounds to keep the lead and finish strong.
"With it being the first game of the season, I was very impressed with how the team responded after going down an early 2-0. Our lineup battled to get runners in scoring position each inning with Emily Marsh putting us ahead for the remainder of the game with her grand slam," stated head coach Amanda Fefel. "Defensively, we took care of the ball behind Miranda Guillen who threw a great game one in the circle for us."
GAME 2: ENMU 10 – No.9 AU 9
Marissa Rodriguez pitched seven innings in relief for Jordan Rivera who started in the circle for game two. Rodriguez threw eight strikeouts, allowing eight hits, four runs, and only one walk.
The Greyhounds played an amazing game and fought for the win after falling 5-1 in the second inning. There was a huge turnaround in the third and fifth innings specifically. Talia Martin singled to the right side allowing Samantha Parisi to score, and Giazza Lopez allowed Talia Martin to score from first base. Zero runs were allowed to the Vikings in this inning. Four runs were scored in the fifth inning.
To end game two, Seneca Aarstad hit a walk off home run to earn three RBIs earning a one-point victory over the ninth-ranked Vikings.
"I am very happy with how the lineup continued to battle in big moments against Augustana" continued Fefel. "After the first two innings we started to settle and stayed within our approach at the plate, again clutch and timely hitting was a big factor in this win. A pinch-hit walk, by Lorissa Scott was huge to set up a 1st and 2nd situation with another pinch-hit home run by Seneca Aarstad. In the circle Marissa Rodriguez did a great job coming in and silenced a lot of their hitters, allowing our defense to work behind her. All of these players were ready for the moment, and nothing beats a walk off win against a well-coached, ranked opponent."
The last time ENMU defeated a top-10 opponent was on March 23, 2024 when the Greyhounds defeated #5 UT Tyler 3-2 on the road.
The Greyhounds will be facing Oklahoma Baptist tomorrow, Jan. 31 at 3:15 p.m. MT/ 4:15 p.m. CT.
