Zias split games in LSC crossover

Freedom New Mexico

DURANT, Okla. — Senior catcher Michelle Anderson hit a two-out RBI double, capping a two-run eighth for Eastern New Mexico University that lifted the Zias to a 7-5 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma Friday in the Lone Star Conference softball crossover tournament.

Earlier, the Zias dropped a 1-0 decision to East Central. ENMU (9-22) faces Northeastern State and Southeastern Oklahoma today, then plays Midwestern State and Cameron on Sunday.

Senior Kristen Cruickshank (6-9) earned the win with 3 2/3 shutout innings in relief of starter Kimberly Crouse, allowing two hits. The Zias belted three homers and outhit Southwestern 16-9 for the game, led by Cruickshank with a 3-for-5 effort.

ENMU took a 2-0 lead in the second on one-out, back-to-bakc homers by Melissa Williams and Amanda Lale. The Lady Bulldogs (16-9) went ahead 4-2 in the fourth, but senior second baseman Rebecca Quinones hit a two-run shot in the fifth to tie it at 4-4.

Sophomore Samantha Davis hit an RBI double later in the inning, but Southwestern tied it in the bottom half on a run-scoring double by first baseman Kristina Davis.

With the international tiebreaker rule in effect in extra innings, Josette Aguirre was placed on second to start the inning. She took third on Alex Mayo Otis’ sacrifice bunt and scored on a passed ball.

Crouse then drew a walk, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Anderson’s second double of the game, a drive down the left field line.

East Central 1, ENMU 0 — Junior right-hander Wanda Malone (9-3) outpitched Cruickshank, making an unearned second-inning run stand up for the victory.

Both hurlers finished with three-hitters. Malone walked one and struck out seven while Cruickshank issued two passes and fvanned five.

The Tigers (20-7) plated the only run in the bottom of the second. Right fielder Cassandra Nordie singled with one out, stole second, took third when the relay was muffed and scored on an illegal pitch by Cruickshank.