LAS VEGAS – New Mexico State split its final games at the UNLV Rebel Classic as the Aggies defeated Southern Illinois 7-4 in nine innings but fell to UNLV 1-0.

Game One

The bats were hot from the start for NM State as they scored a run in the first inning. Rachel Rodriguez hit a leadoff single to start the game for the Aggies. After stealing second and advancing to third, Kelsey Horton drove the junior home for the first run of the game.

The lead didn't last long as the Salukis put up two runs in both the second and third innings.

New Mexico State made its comeback in the sixth inning as the Aggie put up three runs to tie the game. Merina Ili got the rally started as she hit a leadoff single. Fahren Glackin walked to put runners on first and second for Kaitlyn Rubio. Rubio lined out but was able to advance the runners. Kennedy Johnson hit a single to score the runner on third. Jeanelle Medina brought in the last two runs of the inning as the freshman hit a double to tie the game.

Seven innings wouldn't be enough for either team as the game advanced to extra innings. Starting in the eighth inning, each team started with a runner on second base due to the international tie-breaker.

After a scoreless eighth inning, NM State scored three runs in the ninth to take the lead. With Misty Hoohuli on second, Rodriguez hit a single to put runners on the corners. After another stolen base for Rodriguez, Horton smacked a hard hit ball to score Hoohuli and give New Mexico State the 5-4 advantage.

Destiny Blueford and Glackin each scored a run to give the Aggies the 7-3 lead entering the bottom of the inning.

NM State clinched the win in the bottom of the ninth by converting a double play to end the game. After Blueford caught a line drive, the freshmen threw out the runner for a game-ending double play.

Game Two

The Aggies and Rebels went back-and-forth through five innings. Neither team was able to score as each team had their chances, but neither was able to break through.

The best chance for the Aggies game in the fifth. NM State had the bases loaded but was unable to score a run.

In the bottom of the sixth, UNLV scored to give the Rebels the 1-0 advantage. The Aggies had their chances in the bottom of the seventh but were unable to overcome the deficit.

New Mexico State moves to 7-11 this season. Samaria Diaz earned the win and the loss in the doubleheader to move to 4-5 this season.

The Aggies return home to take on I-25 rival New Mexico on Wednesday, March 15. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.