LAS CRUCES, N.M. - NM State responded on Saturday afternoon with a strong offensive performance to even its Conference USA series against FIU at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies answered FIU's early scoring with a four‑run third and a decisive four‑run fifth to regain control. Behind timely extra‑base hits and steady work in the circle, NM State earned an 8–5 victory. 

Game – NM State 8, FIU 5 

FIU struck first with three runs in the third, but NM State immediately countered as Devin Elam and Skye Johnson delivered RBI doubles before Kendal Lunar capped the frame with a two‑run homer. After FIU added a run in the fourth, the Aggies broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs highlighted by a two‑RBI triple from Madi Bachman and an RBI double from Bella Clapp. Taryn Bennett earned the win in the circle and returned late to finish the game and secure the victory. 

NOTABLES 

• Kendal Lunar homered and finished with 2 RBIs as part of the four‑run third inning. 

• Madi Bachman went 2‑for‑3 with a two‑RBI triple and scored twice. 

• Devin Elam doubled, drove in a run, and scored to help ignite the comeback. 

• Skye Johnson added an RBI double and scored during the third‑inning surge. 

• Bella Clapp delivered a key RBI double in the fifth to extend the lead. 

• Taryn Bennett picked up the win, allowing four earned runs across 5.2 innings. 

NEXT UP  

NM State closes out its weekend series against FIU on Sunday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies will look to build on Saturday's momentum and secure the series finale at home. 

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).