BAKER FIELD – February 8, 2025 – It was a tough weekend for the Lady Mustangs as they dropped all four games in their series against NCAA Division II opponent New Mexico Highlands at Baker Field. Despite some flashes of strong performances, the Lady Mustangs were unable to secure a win, getting outscored by a combined total of 29-10.

Game 1: Lady Mustangs Shut Out in Opener (5-0 Loss)

The series began on a frustrating note for the Lady Mustangs as they were held scoreless in a 5-0 loss. New Mexico Highlands pitcher J. Grieg threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits and striking out five. The Lady Mustangs struggled to get anything going offensively, with K. Raulston and D. Garces picking up the team's only hits. Defensively, errors hurt the Lady Mustangs, with two miscues leading to key runs.

Game 2: High-Scoring Battle Ends in Extra Innings (14-9 Loss)

The second game was a thriller that extended into extra innings, but the Lady Mustangs couldn't keep up with New Mexico Highlands' explosive offense. The teams traded runs throughout, and the game was tied 7-7 heading into the 11th inning. That's when New Mexico Highlands erupted for seven runs to seal the game. Despite the loss, L. Stouder had a standout performance, going 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. H. Hernandez also delivered a clutch hit, driving in a run with a double. The Lady Mustangs racked up 13 hits but couldn't overcome the late offensive surge from the visitors.

Game 3: Another Close Contest Ends in Heartbreak (2-1 Loss)

In the lowest-scoring game of the series, the Lady Mustangs had a chance to steal a victory but fell just short in a 2-1 defeat. A. Belen pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters while allowing just six hits, but it wasn't enough. E. Pinion scored the lone run for the Lady Mustangs in the first inning, but the offense was held in check for the rest of the game. New Mexico Highlands took the lead in the fourth inning and held on, as the Lady Mustangs couldn't string together enough offense.

Game 4: Lady Mustangs Fall in Finale (8-0 Loss)

The final game of the series mirrored the opener, as the Lady Mustangs' bats went silent in an 8-0 loss. New Mexico Highlands capitalized on a five-run sixth inning to put the game out of reach. The Lady Mustangs managed just three hits on the day, with D. Utajara collecting all of them. R. Ashford started on the mound but struggled, allowing six earned runs in five innings.

Coach's Take

Despite the tough weekend, the Lady Mustangs' coach Christopher Petroski remained optimistic about the team's progress and outlook for the season:

"We had a good opening weekend. I got to see what we need to improve in moving forward in the season. We are looking to tighten things up on defense and get more production on offense. Our pitching staff did good playing six games in five days. We are getting stronger as a team. Looking forward to the competition this week before opening up conference next weekend."