Athletic Report
February 8, 2000

ZIAS RALLY PAST OPSU, 10-9, IN NINE INNINGS
ENMU Overcomes Early 5-0 Deficit
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University came from behind three times and sophomore third baseman Rachel Mohler (Las Vegas, NV/Green Valley H.S.) hit a three-run homer, as the Zias defeated visiting Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 10-9 in 9 innings, Feb. 8 at Zia Softball Field.

The game, which lasted 3 hours and 11 minutes, was the first half of a season-opening double-header. Action in the second game was called after 3 innings, with OPSU leading 4-1. The game did not reach regulation distance, so the score and statistics do not count.

The Zias trailed 5-0 after two innings in the opener, but battled back to forge a 5-5 tie in the sixth. Neither team scored in the seventh, as the game headed to extra innings. In the top of the 8th, OPSU scored 3 runs for an 8-5 advantage, but ENMU pushed across 3 runs of its own in the bottom of the inning.

In the 9th, OPSU scored once to take a 9-8 lead. The Zias then answered with a pair of runs to win the game.

The Lady Aggies earned their early lead by scoring 5 runs on 5 hits in the second inning. Jo Jo Levchik and April Beard both hit 2-run doubles during the inning. Beard scored the fifth run on a wild pitch.

Eastern New Mexico scored once in the third inning on a one-out, bases-loaded, infield single by Mohler. The Zias were unable to score additional runs during the inning, as OPSU turned a double play.

The Zias pulled within a single run on Mohler’s three-run homer in the 5th inning. With no outs, Enida Rosales (Sr., 2B, Glendale, AZ/South Mountain H.S.) doubled and Kim Paschall (Jr., CF, Midland, TX/Midland H.S.) singled, setting up Mohler’s blast to the power alley in left.

Later, Rosales singled in the 6th and scored on a two-out double by Mohler. Andrea Limoges hit an RBI-triple and Brooke Boser drove in another run with a double to center field, as OPSU tallied three runs in the top of the 8th. Mary Hallauer, who started the inning at second base under the international tie-breaker rule, scored the first run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Beard.

ENMU tied the game with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Rachel Valenzuela (Jr., C, Mesa, AZ/South Mountain C.C.) singled in a run, Paschall hit a sacrifice fly to bring in another run, and Kristy Jones (Fr., RF, Artesia, NM/New Mexico State) scored the third run when a fly ball was misplayed in right field. The Zias had the winning run at third, but a double play ended the threat.

Devin Cross of OPSU began the 9th inning as the designated runner at second base. She advanced to third on a groundout, and scored with two outs on a wild pitch. Alicia Ramirez grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning.

Dawn Hunt (Fr., 1B, Albuquerque, NM/Valley H.S.) was ENMU’s designated runner in the bottom of the 9th. She advanced to third on a bunt by Erica Sussex (So., UT, Bloomfield, NM/Bloomfield H.S.), then scored with one out on a single by Valenzuela.

Jones followed with an infield hit near first base, but Sussex was tagged in a run-down between third and home for the second out. Rosales singled to left field, scoring Valenzuela with the winning run. Rosales went 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Valenzuela finished the game 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Mohler was 3 for 4 with 5 RBIs and a run scored.

For OPSU, Janet Ortiz was 3 for 4 with a run scored, and Beard was 2 for 3 with a run and 3 RBIs. JoJo Levchik drove in 2 runs and scored another. Relief pitchers recorded the win and the loss.

Suzy Seitzinger (Jr., P/OF, Bloomfield, NM/ Bloomfield H.S.) earned the win for ENMU. She pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing no hits and one unearned run. Helena Dinstil, who threw the final 4 2/3 innings for the Panhandle State, suffered the loss. She struck out 7 batters, but allowed 8 hits and 3 walks.

ENMU returns to action this weekend (Fri., Feb. 11 and Sat., Feb. 12) at the Southern Colorado Tournament in Pueblo, Colo. The Zias will take on Lincoln University (Mo.), Tarleton State University (Texas) and Nebraska-Kearney in pool play.