“Both wins were great team efforts,” NM State head coach Kathy Rodolph said following the win over North Dakota. “What I like about this team is our overall depth on offense. We can sub in a player and we don’t lose a lot at the plate. We were a little disappointed with our defense, but we’ll continue to get better in that area.”
In game one against the Golden Hurricanes, NM State used a fast start to gain early momentum. Tatum Reedy’s two RBI single highlighted a four-run first inning and the Aggies led 4-1 after one complete.
The Aggies added two runs in the second inning and three runs in the fourth and opened up a 9-2 lead. However, Tulsa mounted a comeback and tied it at 8-8 in the in the top of the sixth.
Just when Tulsa looked to gain momentum the Aggies stole it right back. Dallas McBride homered to left field, Rachel Rodriguez recorded an RBI single and Reedy pushed across a run and the Aggies led 12-8.
Tulsa added two runs in the seventh, but Karysta Donisthorpe entered and earned her first save on the season.
McBride produced the win in the circle. She tossed 6 1/3 innings and allowed 14 hits, 10 runs and three walks and struck out four.
In game two the Aggies used a nine-run sixth inning to upend North Dakota.
Brennalyn Nakamura opened the inning with a 2-run home run to left center. The Aggies quickly loaded the bases and got to work. Malena Padilla hit a grand slam to left field to put NM State in front. NM State added four insurance runs and held off North Dakota in the seventh.
Makayla McAdams earned the win for the Aggies. She tossed 3 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits, seven runs (three earned) and one walk and struck out one.
NM State returns to the softball diamond Sunday morning against North Dakota. First pitch is set for 9:30 a.m.