LAS VEGAS – New Mexico State softball won its second-straight game on Friday as the Aggies defeated Southern Illinois 1-0. Merina Ili scored the game-winning run for the Aggies in the bottom of the ninth.

How it happened

Kayla Green started in the circle for the second-straight game. Green pitched 1.2 innings before Fahren Glackin came in to relieve the sophomore. Glackin was able to get the final out of the second inning as the Saluki batter popped up to the Rachel Rodriguez. In the top of the third, Samaria Diaz took the circle for NM State.

The Aggies and Salukis went back-and-fourth for seven innings, each team unable to bring runners home. NM State and SIU stranded seven batters each, as the Diaz and Brianna Jones battled with each batter they faced.

Starting in the eighth inning, each team started with a runner on second base due to the international tie-breaker. Neither team was able to score a run heading to the ninth inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Aggies started with Jeanelle Medina on second. After Glackin was able to advance the runner, Ili came to the plate. Ili hit a single to drive the freshman home and give the Aggies the 1-0 victory.

Green, Glackin, and Diaz were credited with the combined shutout. Green started and closed the game as she pitched 2.2 innings for her fourth win this season. The Aggies move to 6-10 this season while SIU drops to 10-11.

New Mexico State takes on Portland State at 4:45 p.m. (MT) on Friday, March 10.