LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The NM State softball team (27-18, 12-3) used a three-run sixth inning to upend Utah Valley (20-25, 5-10) by a score of 6-4 on senior day at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies have now won 11 straight WAC games which ties for the longest win streak since 2015.

After the pitchers controlled the first inning, the Aggies got the bats going in the second inning. After a Gabby Aragon single, Maya Martinez doubled to left field to put two runners in scoring position. Kendra Levesque it a hard ground ball to second base, and Aragon was able to sneak past the catcher to put the Aggies on the board. Hope Banales smacked her first of three hits on the day to bring home Martinez.

The Wolverines answered with a three-run home run to give them the lead. The two teams then entered a pitching duel for the next three innings. The Aggies were able to tie the game in the fifth inning when Kayla Bowen reached on an error. The Wolverines responded once again in the top of the sixth inning, but Martinez was clutch again in the batter's box. Martinez drove the first pitch she saw over the left field fence for her third home run of the series to tie the game. 

The Aggies scoring continued with a single from Hope Banales. Hailey Tanori drove her home on a double to give the Aggies the lead. Tanori advanced to the third on the throw to home plate, and she would score off a passed ball to give the Aggies a two-run cushion. 

Chloe Rivas ended any chances of Wolverine comeback, as she retired the side in order to end the game. 

Banales led the way with a three-for-three showing at the plate. Martinez and Nikki Butler each picked up two hits for the Aggies. 

The Aggies still hold a one game lead over Seattle U in the WAC standings. The Aggies can clinch at least a share of the regular season title with two wins against California Baptist next weekend. 

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Postgame Notes

• The Aggies won its 11th straight WAC game. This is the longest win streak since 2015 when the Aggies started 11-0 in WAC play.
• The Aggies have now won nine straight games overall which is the longest win streak since 2016 when the Aggies won 11 straight.
• The Aggies end the season 8-1 at home. 
• Coming into the weekend, the Aggies had only won four games when trailing after the fourth inning. They won two under those circumstances this weekend.
• The Aggies improved 17-1 when they out-hit their opponent.
• The Aggies improved to 17-7 when they score first. 
• Hope Banales tied her career-high for hits in a single game. Banales picked up three hits this afternoon. The last time she completed this feat was on Feb. 23, 2020, against IUPUI.
• Chloe Rivas improved to 7-1 on the year. This is the most wins Rivas has had in a single season in her career.