LUBBOCK, TEXAS — A two-run double from freshman outfielder Cameron Conrad pulled the Eastern New Mexico University softball team even with Lubbock Christian in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s opener at Lubbock Christian. The Lady Chaps rallied to win that game 3-2 in eight innings, and also won the nightcap by an 8-0 score at Plains Capital Park.

The opener marked the first game in the series that went into extra innings. It also marked the second time a meeting between the teams had been decided by a single run. The other was a 6-5 win by LCU on April 15, 2015, also in Lubbock.

Game 1
In the opener, LCU starter Katera Eltsosie held a 2-0 lead and retired the first two batters of the fifth inning, before the Hounds rallied. Christina Pease was struck by a pitch, and moved to second on a single from Audrey Velasquez. On the second pitch of her at bat, Conrad smashed a two-run double down the left field line, to even the score.

ENMU pitcher Kaylee Rogers used a double play in the sixth inning and tossed a perfect seventh to take the game to extra innings. LCU’s Courtney Medina walked to lead off the eighth and stole second. Rogers retired the next two batters, but Eltsosie drove a single down the right field line to end the game.

Rogers went the distance for the Hounds and scattered five hits. Eltsosie allowed four hits in the winning effort. Conrad had two hits for Eastern, while Susannah Chandler added a single in the second inning.

Game 2
In the nightcap, Kiana Zerr limited the Lady Chaps to one run on two hits over the first two innings. The Lady Chaps plated seven runs over the third and fourth frames to seal the game in five innings.

Ashley Lopez drew a second inning walk for the Hounds, while Erikka Burke was struck by a pitch in the third frame. Zerr allowed just three earned runs for the Hounds, while LCU’s Kaitlyn Holmes went the distance to notch the shutout.

Up Next
The Eastern New Mexico University softball team will return to action on Friday, for a Lone Star Conference doubleheader against University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. MST.
**Written by Eastern Athletics