PORTALES, NM — Pinch hitter Emma Gary drove a two-out RBI single up the middle to give the Eastern New Mexico University softball team (13-8; LSC 6-3) the lead for good in Saturday’s Lone Star Conference game. Jennifer McElroy doubled, homered and drove in four runs as the Hounds picked up an 11-7 win over Midwestern State (8-8; LSC 3-6).

“I could not be any prouder of my team,” said Heada Coach Katie Welborn. “All 21 of them. Our pitching wasn’t perfect today, but they were lights out the past two days. Today my hitters showed up and took the responsibility of the game away from the ones in the circle. Four homeruns?! That is huge. We have the ability to make that happen every at bat, and I am so proud their hard work is paying off. Leslie Reyes did a great job of stepping up in a big way and in a tough spot. I am so proud of our pitching staff this weekend. Elena Garcia, what a weekend she had. She’s a force. She will be fun to watch for years to come. I am excited.”

In the Series
The win gave ENMU its first season sweep over Midwestern State
With four straight wins in the series and five in the last six meetings, ENMU has won the season series for the second straight year

Also in the Books
With her 47th win at Eastern Welborn passed Armando Quiroz and is in third place on the career wins list for ENMU Softball

In the Game
Elena Garcia’s first-inning, two-run homer gave the Hounds the lead
Caycee Griffin and Kelsey Eropkin both homered in the top of the third to tie the game
McElroy responded with a two-out, three-run double in the bottom of the frame to give ENMU a 5-2 lead
Over the fourth and fifth innings, each team scored five runs, with the Hounds emerging with a 10-7 lead
McElroy homered in the sixth to provide the final margin
Leslie Reyes allowed three hits over three shutout innings to earn the win
Eastern’s four homers (Garcia, McElroy, Karina Moreno and Samantha Brockman) were a season high

Up Next
The Eastern New Mexico University will visit New Mexico Highlands on Tuesday, before playing at Angelo State next weekend
“We have tough opponents this upcoming week, but we will stay focused and be ready to go,” said Welborn.” “We are excited and ready.”