By Jared Fields, Sports Writer
The women’s softball team scored 43 runs against Division II foe Eastern New Mexico and won three of four games in the weekend series.
The offensive explosion is nothing new for the Wildcats.
“We have been hitting the ball well consistently all year,” softball coach Chantiel Wilson said.
In Friday’s games, the Wildcats won by scores of 14-8 and 11-7, respectively.
Senior Katie Bryan led the team to wins on Friday night with 12 RBI, four home runs and a grand slam. In the first game, Jade Wilson impressed with four RBI and a two-run home run that added to the offensive attack. Jennifer Leal picked up the win, throwing a complete game while allowing six runs.
In the nightcap, Leal began the game on the mound but only threw for an inning before giving the ball to freshman Melanie Smith. Bryan hit for six RBI and two home runs, including a grand slam, and Smith earned her first win of the season. Daisy Barcena contributed with a solo home run.
On Saturday, the Wildcats split the games with ENMU, winning the first 15-10 and losing the final game 7-3.
Jennifer Leal pitched in seven innings and gained her 18th win of the year. Jade Wilson went three-for-three with three RBI to help her teammates to victory in the early game on Saturday.
In the series finale, ENMU pitchers kept the Wildcats on the watch. Valerie Malkinson had two RBI in the game, but the Wildcats could not overcome ENMU’s success after the team accomplished four runs in the sixth inning.
Wilson said she doesn’t be-lieve the Wildcats will let the loss deter them this weekend when they will play Texas Woman’s University.
“Eastern’s pitcher pitched well and kept us a little off balance,” Wilson said. “I feel winning three games in Portales has put the team in the right position to host Texas Woman’s University this weekend,” Wilson said.
The games will begin again Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 pm. Both days are doubleheaders.