HOBBS, N.M. — The University of the Southwest softball team opened its 2026 season with a strong showing on Friday afternoon, sweeping Oklahoma Panhandle State in a non‑conference doubleheader. The Mustang offense totaled 16 runs on 16 hits across the two games, while both starting pitchers went the distance to secure the sweep.
In Game One, Southwest struck first in the opening inning when Chloe Corral drew a bases‑loaded walk to bring home Kamryn Cantu. After Oklahoma Panhandle State took a brief 2–1 lead in the second, the Mustangs responded with a four‑run third inning. Kilee Raulston scored on a passed ball to tie the game before an error allowed Layla Stouder to come home. Moments later, Danali Garces delivered a two‑run single to push Southwest ahead 5–2.
Southwest added two more runs in the fourth when Corral doubled to right field, scoring Raulston and Stouder to extend the lead to 7–3. Corral finished the opener with three RBIs, while Garces drove in two. Alexis Belen went the distance in the circle, allowing nine hits and five runs while striking out two to earn the complete‑game victory.
Game Two opened quietly before Cantu broke the scoreless tie in the third with an RBI single to left, scoring Elizabeth De La Riva. After the Aggies plated two in the fourth to take the lead, Southwest delivered its biggest offensive frame of the afternoon. With the game tied 2–2, Hannah Campos launched a ball to left field for a grand slam, scoring Lexie Martinez and Corral as part of a five‑run Mustang inning that put Southwest firmly ahead 6–2.
The Mustangs continued to build on their momentum in the fifth when Jocelyn Holguin doubled to right field to drive in another run, followed by a two‑RBI single from Garces. Campos finished the game with four RBIs, while Garces added three of his own. Cali Saldana threw a complete game, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned) with efficient command across 73 pitches.
Southwest moves to 2–0 on the season following the doubleheader sweep. The next game is at the University of Texas Permian Basin on Friday.
University of the Southwest Head Softball Coach
Chris Petroski
On the doubleheader day...
"Our pitchers did a great job. It was a good first day to get those season jitters out of the way. Two solid wins. We still have work to do before our conference schedule in a few weeks."
