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Zias grab split against Highlands

Staff report

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — After missing a pair of opportunities to knot up their first game against New Mexico Highlands, the Zia softball team squelched a repeat opportunity early in the nightcap.

The visiting Zias jumped out to a 5-0 lead, including a three-run fifth, and Vanessa Ramirez allowed six hits in a 5-2 victory Wednesday afternoon.

Eastern New Mexico (16-18) struck twice in the second inning, with Susannah Chandler hitting an RBI double and scoring on an Elizabeth Velasquez single.

Velasquez went 2-for-3, including an RBI single to open the scoring in the fifth inning, while Audrey Velasquez batted home a pair with a single later in an inning extended by a Cowgirl error.

Ramirez (3-1) struck out three and walked one of 27 batters faced, allowing a pair of NMHU (13-19) runs in the sixth on a Ka’uilani Kamal solo homer and an RBI double from Gabby Hansell. Audrey Velasquez, playing first, helped the Zias escape the inning by throwing out Destiny Navarro at the plate to complete a 5-3-2 double play.

Ramirez then retired the side on 10 pitches in the seventh.

First game — Jessica Brink scattered six hits in the complete game victory, and also added a solo homer in the second inning.

Shortstop Gabby Hansell hit another solo shot in the third to give the host Cowgirls the lead for good, and catcher Katie Bates slapped a two-run single in the fourth.

Morgan Green went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, including a triple to lead off the second and a two-run homer in the sixth. Elizabeth Velasquez followed up the shot with a single and was sacrificed to second, but Brink retired the next two hitters in order.

Catcher Kyra Sirag gave the Zias a late shot to tie with a two-out double in the seventh, but Brink survived an 11-pitch at bat when she got Susannah Chandler to fly out to right.

The Zias are back in action Tuesday for a 1 p.m. home doubleheader against Lubbock Christian.