LUBBOCK, Texas – A five-run fifth inning propelled Midwestern State softball to an 11-8 season-opening victory over Western New Mexico in Lubbock Christian's Lady Chaps Invitational Friday afternoon at Lubbock Christian School's Eagle Park.

Facing a 6-4 deficit after a four-run fourth for Western New Mexico (0-2), freshman second baseman Misty Muniz sparked a five-run fifth inning for the Mustangs with a solo home run to begin the rally.

Senior center fielder Haley Howerton was the tying run for Midwestern State (1-0), stealing second after an infield single before coming home to score on a WNMU error for a 6-6 contest. A single by junior pitcher Erin Knox put the Mustangs in front, scoring junior left fielder Taylor Bermudes before a double from junior shortstop Tammy Viliamu gave MSU a 9-6 advantage.

The Mustangs stretched their lead to 11-6 in the seventh with junior designated hitter Baylee Voigt bringing home senior third baseman Katelyn Vinson, who doubled earlier, on a single up the middle for a 10-6 game. Sophomore catcher Kara Tilton rounded out the MSU scoring with a single through the right side to plate Voigt for an 11-6 score.

MSU held off a seventh inning rally from WNMU, who added two runs in the bottom half of the inning, for a final 11-8.

The Mustangs started off swinging in the first with Voigt going yard to bring home Bermudes for a 2-0 MSU lead. WNMU evened the contest in the bottom half of the inning with two singles and a walk.

After the Mustangs regained the lead at 4-2 in the fourth, WNMU took its first lead of the game with a four-run frame. A double from sophomore shortstop Mariangela Garcia drove in two runs before a triple by senior first baseman Thailyza Ramirez pulled WNMU ahead at 6-4.

Knox earned the win in the circle for the Mustangs, throwing 4.0 innings with three strikeouts while allowing seven hits, five earned runs and a pair of walks. Redshirt freshman Peyton Helton collected the save with 3.0 innings in the circle and two strikeouts while giving up four hits and one earned run.

Voigt and Knox each went 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI to lead the Mustangs.