WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State Softball (8-40, 6-32 LSC) achieved a remarkable doubleheader against Sul Ross State (7-38, 5-33 LSC), winning the first game 8–0 (6 Inn.) and edging out a 4–3 victory in the second game at Mustangs Park.
In game one,
Kayleigh Bowers highlighted the afternoon by throwing a no-hitter, the first for the Mustangs since 2014. Midwestern State opened the game with a strong first inning.
Sydnie Rios walked and advanced to second on an infield single by
Mia Sanchez.
Chipper Mayorga's sacrifice bunt moved the runners to scoring positions.
Hayeli Acosta hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Rios to score, followed by a two-run homer from
Tatum Waller, bringing in Sanchez.
Madison Stewart's infield single set the stage for
Marisela Landa's two-run homer. MSU led 5–0 at the end of the first inning.
In the sixth inning, the team extended its lead. Acosta walked and advanced on Waller's single. Stewart singled, loading the bases. Landa then singled, driving in Acosta.
Myka Riley walked with the bases loaded, scoring Waller.
Stormy Daniel's sacrifice fly brought in Bowers, who was pinch-running. The Maroon & Gold concluded the inning with an 8–0 advantage.
Bowers delivered a commanding performance in the circle, pitching a complete game with six strikeouts over 6 innings while allowing no hits or runs, with just one Sul Ross State hitter reaching on an error. Waller showcased her power at the plate, hitting a home run and driving in two runs as part of her two-hit game. Landa made a significant impact by collecting three hits, including a home run, and driving in three runs. Bowers's control was evident with 42 strikes thrown, contributing to her third win of the season. The junior is the first Mustang to throw a no-hitter since 2014, when Katlyn Holmes tossed a perfect game against Tarleton State on April, 25th 2014.
Game two saw Midwestern State come from behind to secure a narrow 4–3 victory. Sul Ross State took an early lead in the first inning with Jenna Leanos scoring on a groundout by Elizabeth Clemente, followed by Alexandra Ramos scoring on a single by Valeria Aguilar, leaving the score at 2–0 in favor of the Lobos. In the second inning, SRSU extended its lead with Carissa Fernandez scoring on a single by Ramos, making it 3–0.
The Mustangs remained scoreless until the sixth inning, as Midwestern State staged a comeback. With two outs,
Chipper Mayorga and
Hayeli Acosta reached base on singles, then back to back errors by the Lobos scored the Mustangs first run of the game, With the tying run on second base,
Marisela Landa singled to left field to even the score at 3-3. Following a 1-2-3 top of the seventh inning,
Mia Sanchez singled and advanced to third on a bunt by
Sydnie Rios to begin the bottom of the frame. Mayorga then delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly, allowing Sanchez to score, securing the win for the Maroon & Gold.
Florence Shyanne pitched five innings scoreless inning in game two, allowing five hits while striking out one in their first victory of the season. Mayorga contributed offensively with one hit and one RBI, scoring once. Sanchez collected two hits and scored a run to aid the team's performance, while Landa added to the scoring with two RBIs and recorded one hit.
Prior to the first pitch of the opening game, Midwestern State Softball recognized its four graduating seniors as part of Senior Day ceremonies.
Hayeli Acosta,
Madison Stewart,
Tatum Waller, and
Marisela Landa were all recognized before the game for their contributions, commitment, and dedication to the program.
Up next for MSU is a matchup against Western New Mexico on Monday, May 4 at noon CT. The game will take place at Mustangs Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
