TEMPE, Ariz. – The New Mexico State softball team took on eighth-seeded Arizona State at Farrington Stadium on Friday night to open its run at the Tempe Regional of the NCAA Tournament. Despite a late rally in the seventh, the Aggies fell to the Sun Devils 2-0.
"I'm really proud of our courage, fight and determination tonight," head coach Kathy Rodolph said. "We faced the home team tonight in Arizona State and they are a talented squad. I have the upmost respect for Tricia but I am super proud of my team tonight."
How It Happened
NM State's (29-23) starting pitcher Analise De La Roca hit trouble early in the contest when the freshman allowed a walk and a bunt single to ASU (44-11) start the game. After a fly out to centerfield secured the first out, a double through the right side scored the runners and left the Aggies behind 2-0 after the first inning.
Despite De La Roca pitching three scoreless innings following the opening frame, the New Mexico State was unable to connect offensively. In the fifth, Rodolph brought in Samaria Diaz to pitch and the sophomore gave up a pair of singles to her first batters faced but settled in the circle and recorded a strikeout before closing out the scoreless inning.
In the top of the sixth, NM State broke up Arizona State's perfect game when Sarai Mejia drew a walk to start the Aggies' at-bat. A passed ball during Caity Szczesny's plate appearance put the runner into scoring position for New Mexico State but that was a close as NM State came to scoring in the inning.
Following a scoreless sixth by Diaz, Kelsey Horton broke up the ASU no-hitter with a single off the left field wall and Fahren Glackin followed with a single of her own. After Victoria Castro drew a walk, the Aggies had the bases loaded with only one out recorded. However, the rally fell short when double play ended the at-bat and secured the 2-0 loss.
De La Roca comes away with the loss, moving the freshman to 9-5 on the season. She went 4.0 innings and allowed two runs on two hits while also recording one strikeout. Diaz went 2.0 in relief and struck out three Sun Devil batters while allowing a pair of hits.
NM State takes on Long Beach State in an elimination game on Saturday, May 19, with first pitch from the contest is set for 5:30 p.m. MT. The winner of the matchup faces the loser of the game between Ole Miss and Arizona State immediately following the contest.
