Sports Release
April 16, 1999

WNMU SWEEPS DOUBLE-HEADER FROM ENMU
PORTALES, NM -- The Western New Mexico University softball team defeated Eastern New Mexico University, 4-1, in the first game of a double-header, then edged ENMU, 5-4, in the second game, to sweep the Zias. Western New Mexico improved to 29-19 overall. Eastern New Mexico fell to 13-22 on the season.

In the opener, WNMU pitcher Holly Justice held the Zias to just 3 hits. ENMU received hits from junior second baseman Enida Rosales (Glendale, AZ/South Mountain C.C.), senior catcher Mystee Sarracino (Hobbs, NM/Eastern Arizona College) and junior right fielder Katie Ellsworth (Albuquerque, NM/Cibola H.S.). Ellsworth had Eastern’s only extra-base hit, a double in the fifth inning.

Justice struck out 8 and walked just one batter, while improving to 13-10 on the season. The Mustangs overcame an early 1-0 deficit by scoring 4 runs in the top of the third inning. Right fielder Michelle Manning, who finished 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, hit one of her doubles during the inning. Second baseman Sarah Wyss also doubled during the stanza.

In the second game, ENMU built a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Sophomore third baseman Erica Sussex (Bloomfield, NM/Bloomfield H.S.) hit a 2-RBI single to drive home Rosales and first baseman Rachel Mohler (Fr., Las Vegas, NV/Green Valley H.S.) with the final two runs.

The Mustangs were shut out until the fifth inning, when they scored twice. WNMU tied the game in the sixth inning on a solo home run by pitcher Adriana Carbajal, then took a 5-3 lead by scoring twice in the top of the seventh inning.

ENMU battled to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh. The Zias opened the inning with back-to-back doubles by Ellsworth and sophomore center fielder Kim Paschall (Midland, TX/Midland H.S.). Ellsworth scored to cut the deficit to 5-4, but Paschall was thrown out at the plate later in the inning.

The Zias left the bases loaded when the third out was recorded. Paschall and Sussex were both 2 for 4 for ENMU. Justice was 3 for 4 for the Mustangs. Carbajal claimed the win for WNMU and improved to 14-8 on the season.

The Zias and Mustangs will play another double-header at ENMU on Sat., Apr. 17. Game time for the opener is set for 12:00 p.m. (MST).