Zias blank East Central

IRVING, Texas — Senior right-hander Amanda Nightingale pitched a three-hit shutout and senior second baseman Tracy Jordan belted a two-run triple as Eastern New Mexico University’s softball team beat East Central 3-0 on Friday in the rain-plagued Lone Star Conference First Pitch Tournament.

The Zias (11-9) had their second game on Friday, against Northeastern State, rained out. Many of the later games were also victims of the weather, and ENMU coach Armando Quiroz said Friday night it appeared the rest of the schedule may not get played.

The only hits off Nightingale (2-2) were singles. She walked no one and struck out eight.

In the fourth, the Zias got on the board when Tina Whitt walked and Jordan sacrificed her to second. Elizabeth Hawkins ran for Whitt, and junior right fielder Kelsey Kubik delivered her with an RBI double to left.

In the fifth, Jessica Nocas singled with one out and went to third on a double by Elizabeth Whipkey. After East Central pitcher Cara Gaskins got Whitt on strikes, Jordan rocketed a ball past left fielder Jessica Loftis and into the corner to bring home both runs.

Jordan went 2-for-3 for the Zias, who finished the game with seven hits.