LAS CRUCES, N.M. - As the Battle of I‑25 renewed for the first time this season, NM State set the tone early and never looked back, posting a run‑rule victory over rival New Mexico at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies answered the Lobos' first‑inning run with two of their own and used a six‑run fourth to put the game out of reach.  

Game – NM State 9, New Mexico 1 (5 inn.) 

After UNM opened with a run in the first, NM State responded as Devin Elam delivered an RBI single and Tamara Carranza added an RBI fielder's choice for a 2–1 lead. Destan Burks launched a solo home run in the third, and the Aggies broke it open with a six‑run fourth, Skye Johnson punched an RBI single before Kendal Lunar cleared the bases with a three‑run double, later in the frame, Madi Bachman entered to rope a two‑run single. In the circle, Faith Aragon earned the win with 5.0 innings, allowing two hits and one run with four strikeouts. 

NOTABLES 

• Faith Aragon recorded a complete game (5.0 IP) with two hits, one run and four strikeouts; she also singled and scored twice. 

• Kendal Lunar delivered a three‑run double during the six‑run fourth and added a double earlier in the game. 

• Destan Burks crushed a solo home run in the third to extend the lead. 

• Skye Johnson went 2‑for‑3 with an RBI and a stolen base. 

• Tamara Carranza finished with two RBIs, a double and a stolen base. 

• Madi Bachman provided a pinch‑hit two‑run single to cap the six‑run fourth. 

• Devin Elam tallied an RBI single in the first to spark the scoring. 

NEXT UP  

NM State now shifts back to the road as the Aggies travel to Huntsville, Texas, for a three‑game Conference USA series against Sam Houston. The weekend matchup marks another key early‑season test as NM State looks to carry its momentum into league play. First pitch for the series opener is set for Friday at 5 p.m. at Sam Houston's Bearkat Softball Complex. 

For complete coverage of NM State Softball during the 2026 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Softball), Twitter (@NMStateSoftball) and Instagram (@NMStateSoftball).