PORTALES, N.M. – St. Edward's softball opened its trip to New Mexico with a pair of losses to the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds. 
 
Game 1: ENMU 8, St. Edward's 0
 
After two scoreless innings, Eastern New Mexico exploded for seven runs in the third inning on its way to an 8-0 victory in five innings. 
 
The Greyhounds loaded the bases on St. Edward's starting pitcher, KYLEN PADGETT, to open the third inning, getting back-to-back singles from Patterson and Vasquez, then a walk. Gutierrez stove in the first run with a single up the middle, then Rodriguez hit a two-RBI double to left field. 
 
After Lucero popped up to MEGAN MORRIS at shortstop, Padgett hit Osuna, struck out Lopez, and walked Contreras to score one run, followed by a three-RBI triple by Patterson for the 7-0 lead. 
 
MAKENNA HOLLOWAY started the fourth in the pitcher's circle for St. Edward's and surrendered a leadoff home run to Whitzel. 
 
SLOANE HILLe, ELLA HUTZLER, and Morris all hit 1-for-2 for St. Edward's. 
 
Game 2: ENMU 6, St. Edward's 1
 
Another big inning proved costly for St. Edward's when Eastern New Mexico plated five in the fourth for a 6-1 victory to sweep the doubleheader. 
 
Eastern New Mexico starting pitcher Emma Southerland retired six of St. Edward's first seven hitters, with the only flaw being a leadoff home run to center field by Hutzler. 
 
St. Edward's got out of trouble in the second and third innings, leaving two stranded in each defensively, but Eastern New Mexico broke through in the fourth. 
 
Once again, the Greyhounds loaded the bases to start the inning with a walk and back-to-back hits from Southerland and Contreras. After Hardin lined out to shortstop, Patterson and Vasquez delivered back-to-back RBI singles, and Whitzel came through with a two-RBI double. 
 
After Holloway replaced LISETTE URQUIDEZ in the pitcher's circle, Gutierrez drew a walk, and Lucero followed with another RBI single. Lucero added another run with a solo blast in the sixth. 
 
Hutzler and ALEA DESERRANO were each 2-for-3 for St. Edward's. ARIANNA VIDALES, KATIE DILLON, Morris, and LAUREN HOYT each had a hit for St. Edward's. 
 
St. Edward's drops to 4-14 with a 2-6 conference record after the loss. The Hilltoppers will stay in New Mexico to finish the series tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.