SILVER CITY, N.M. – St. Edward's softball wrapped up its best-hitting weekend of the season with a 6-4 win over Western New Mexico, wrapping up its three-game sweep of the Mustangs.
First-years JERZIE PELHAM and ELLA HUTZLER continued their breakout weekend to combine to hit 5-for-7 from the plate with two RBI and three runs scored. Pelham hit 7-for-10 for the weekend with four RBI and three runs scored, and Hutzler hit 6-for-9 with two home runs for seven RBI and six runs scored.
Western New Mexico struck first, getting a leadoff double from Adlai Alvidr in the first inning, who later scored on an error.
St. Edward's responded with a two-RBI single to right field, scoring LAUREN HOYT and ELLA HUTZLER, who reached on back-to-back singles to start the inning.
Western New Mexico tied the game with a double by Kennedy Jarr, followed by an RBI triple from Ciara Salaza in the second inning, ending starting pitcher KYLEN PADGETT's day with Rena Toomey replacing her. Then, the Mustangs took a brief lead in the third inning with a solo home run by Cecy Jurado.
The Hilltoppers scored two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings to take the lead for good. Pelham sparked the Hilltoppers with a leadoff double in the fifth, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from MEGAN MORRIS, and scored on Hutzler's RBI single to left field. Later in the inning, Hutzler scored on ALEXIS MASSIE's RBI single.
HAILEY SONKA and KATIE DILLON kicked off the sixth inning with a double and single to the outfield, with Sonka scoring on an error. Then, Pelham delivered a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Dillon.
CADIE BELLE CURRIE replaced Toomey in the pitcher's circle to start the fifth inning, surrendering two hits with one run and one walk to pick up her eighth win. St. Edward's finished with 17 hits, including four doubles.
St. Edward's improves to 16-11 with a 10-8 conference record after the three-game sweep. The Hilltoppers will have the week off and return to host Texas A&M International on Tuesday, Mar. 21, at 1:00 p.m.
