MANSFIELD, Texas - The Eastern New Mexico softball team fell to Emporia State 7-2 Saturday morning at the Fields at Station in Mansfield, Texas.
 
Emporia State (4-1) struck first, plating a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. The Hornets added two more runs in the third inning to extend their advantage to 3-0.
 
The Greyhounds were held scoreless through the first five innings before finally breaking through in the top of the sixth. Jordan Rivera singled to drive in a run, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
 
Emporia State answered immediately with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to blow the game open at 7-1. Brooke Flewelling launched a three-run home run, and Avery Brewer followed with a solo shot to put the game out of reach.
 
Eastern New Mexico added a run in the top of the seventh inning when Haleigh Pearce singled through the left side to score Giazza Lopez, but the Greyhounds could not mount a serious comeback attempt.
 
ENMU (2-1) struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite putting consistent pressure on the Hornets' pitching staff throughout the contest.
 
Haleigh Pearce led the Greyhounds offensively, going 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. The catcher provided a spark for Eastern New Mexico in the loss.
 
Samantha Parisi went 2-for-3 for ENMU, while Talia Martin finished 1-for-3 with a walk. Jordan Rivera collected one hit and drove in a run for the Greyhounds.
 
As a team, ENMU managed six hits and committed one error in the field. The Greyhounds left 12 runners stranded on the base paths.
 
Emporia State finished with 10 hits and committed three errors.
 
In the circle, Angelina Rubalcava took the loss for ENMU, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with two walks in 2.1 innings of work. Miranda Guillen pitched 3.2 innings in relief, surrendering four runs (one earned) on five hits with one walk and one strikeout.
 
For Emporia State, Izzy Sloan earned the win, tossing three innings and allowing one run with four walks and two strikeouts. Hannah Butterbaugh pitched four innings of relief, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
 
"Leaving 12 runners on base in seven innings is hard to swallow when we were putting so much pressure on the pitcher and defense," said ENMU head coach Amanda Fefel. "We need to be better at executing in those moments."
 
The Greyhounds will look to bounce back next weekend when they travel to Oklahoma to take part in the OC/UCO Festival hosted by Oklahoma Christian and Central Oklahoma.