ENMU Goes 2-3 at Las Vegas Classic
Zias Defeat Regis and Biola, Fall to Southern Colorado, Barry and Mesa State

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Eastern New Mexico University softball team competed at the Las Vegas Classic, Feb. 6-8, in Las Vegas, Nevada. ENMU earned a 2-3 record during the event, which featured 15 teams split into three five-team groups. Each group played a round robin schedule. There were no elimination rounds.

ENNU opened the tournament on Thursday, Feb. 6, against Regis University (Colo.). The Zias defeated the Rangers, 5-3, behind pitcher Maegan Rhoten (Jr., RHP, Albuquerque, NM/ St. Pius X HS) and center fielder Nikki Gay (Fr., Schertz, TX/Samuel Clemens HS).

Rhoten struck out seven batters and allowed just one earned run. She gave up five walks and allowed six hits. Gay went 3 for 4 at the plate, with a home run, two RBIs and a stolen base. Kim Barajas (So., 3B/C, Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo HS) drove in two runs with a double in the fifth inning, as ENMU tallied three runs during the stanza.
The Zias lost to the University of Southern Colorado, 6-0, in Eastern’s second game on Feb. 6. Lauren King (So., RHP, La Mirada, CA/La Serna HS) did not walk a single batter, but gave up 10 hits and allowed four earned runs. Eastern’s offense managed just three hits during the game.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the Zias lost to Barry University (Fla.), 8-7, and defeated Biola University (Calif.), 7-2. The split left ENMU with a 2-2 tournament record heading into the final day.

Barry went 5-0 during the tournament, but trailed the Zias 5-3, before scoring two runs in the third inning and three runs in the fourth stanza for an 8-5 advantage. The Zias began to rally in the top of the seventh, when Vicki Davis (Sr., OF, Gilbert, AZ/Glendale CC) singled and Bobbi Richardson (So., DP, Kerrville, TX/Tivy HS) launched a two-run homer. Barry pitcher Geralyn Elam struck out the next three batters to end the game.

Against Biola, the NAIA national runner-up in 2002, the Zias received outstanding pitching from Rhoten, who struck out six batters, did not allow a walk, and limited the Lady Eagles to three hits. Both of Biola’s runs were unearned. Gay, who began the day with a 3 for 4 effort against Barry, also went 3 for 4 against Biola. Katie McDermott (Fr., 3B/C, Albuquerque, NM/Rio Rancho HS) was 2 for 4 with a homer, a triple and three RBIs.

In Eastern’s final game of the tournament, the Zias lost to Mesa State College, 4-0. King limited the Mavericks to five hits, while recording six strikeouts and three walks, but the Zias were unable to provide offensive support. ENMU also registered five hits, including two each by Gay and Rhoten. Gay was 2 for 4 with a double. Tracy Jordan (Fr., 2B, Rosamond, CA/Desert HS) also hit a double for ENMU.

Gay finished the tournament with 11 hits in 19 at bats for a .579 batting average. She earned three doubles and one homer, to go with three RBIs and three stolen bases. She has hit two home runs so far this season.

The Zias, who are 4-5 overall, will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 12, when ENMU hosts the University of the Incarnate Word. First pitch at Zia Softball Field is scheduled for 12 noon (MST).

ENMU’s Results at the Las Vegas Classic

Thursday, Feb. 6
vs. Regis University (CO) 5-3 Win
vs. Southern Colorado 6-0 Loss

Friday, Feb. 7
vs. Barry University (FL) 8-7 Loss
vs. Biola University (CA) 7-2 Win

Saturday, Feb. 9
vs. Mesa State (CO) 4-0 Loss