The NMHU Cowgirls lost two close games in their first double header against CSU-Pueblo at the Rawlings Softball Complex in Pueblo, Colo. In game one the Cowgirls struck first, scoring five runs in the fifth inning. The Thunderwolves answered in the same inning with two runs and then added another three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to send the game into extra innings. The teams battled in three scoreless extra innings until CSU-Pueblo came up with the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning, taking the victory in game one 6-5. The Thunderwolves took advantage of a five run first inning in game two to take the early lead. The Cowgirls were able to score four runs in the last two innings but it wouldn't be enough as CSU-Pueblo came away with the victory 6-4. With the two close conference losses to the Thunderwolves the Cowgirls, led by Head Coach Shellie Broyles, fall to a 3-19 record in the RMAC and 6-27 in overall play.
Melissa Martinez (4-16) was credited with the loss in game one of the double header. Martinez showed her stamina in the game by throwing an impressive nine innings from the pitcher's circle. She allowed six runs on 11 hits, facing 44 batters in the game, struck out 11 batters, and walked seven. Martinez's 11 strikeouts give her a total of 132 strikeouts in the season, good enough for second place in the RMAC.
The Cowgirls started the day well in game one, hitting .285 as a team. The Cowgirls' bats came to life in the fifth inning when they were able to score five runs, but it wasn't enough to get the victory.
Ashley Paiz,
Amanda Beauchamp, and
Kristy Partridge were the leaders at the plate for the Cowgirls in game one. Paiz was 3-6 in the batter's box with two RBIs. Beauchamp hit 2-4 at the plate and drew a walk. She scored one run, had an RBI and stole one base in the game. Partridge was 2-5 at the plate with a walk and a run scored.
Ashley Paiz (2-10) was the losing pitcher for the Cowgirls in game two. Paiz completed all six innings from the pitcher's circle for the Cowgirls, allowing six runs on eight hits. She faced 29 batters in the game, struck out three, walked two, and hit two batters.
The Cowgirls struggled at the plate in game two, hitting for .258 team average.
Roxanne Avalos,
Shelby Hoffman, and
Samantha Butler were the leaders on offense for the Cowgirls. Avalos was 1-2 at the plate, drawing two walks. She reached base three times and her lone hit was an RBI double. Hoffman was 2-4 in the batter's box with an RBI. Butler was also 2-4 at the plate and scored a run.
The Cowgirls will continue conference action tomorrow, 4/3, as they play their second double header in the road RMAC series against CSU-Pueblo. The Thunderwolves will be hosting the Cowgirls at Rawlings Softball Complex with game one starting at 11am. The second game of the double header will start shortly after the completion of game one.
Click
HERE For Complete Game One Stats
Click
HERE For Complete Game Two Stats
GO COWGIRLS!!!
