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WT slugs way past ENMU to open softball series

CANYON, Texas — Centerfielder Ashley Hardin went 3-for-4 with two homers, and West Texas A&M slugged its way to a 14-1 victory Friday evening over Eastern New Mexico.

Suka Van Gurp went 2-for-2 with a double, triple and three RBIs for the 12th-ranked Lady Buffs (36-10, 19-6), who had eight of their 14 hits go for extra bases.

The teams will play again in a noon doubleheader to close out the regular season. The Buffs need a sweep to keep up their chances of finishing second in the Lone Star Conference standings.

The top six teams advance to next week’s conference tournament, hosted by top seed Angelo State. The Greyhounds, at 9-19, were previously eliminated from playoff consideration.

With five homers and three triples on the day, West Texas A&M finished Friday with a 1.296 team slugging percentage and chased Greyhound starter Leslie Reyes (8-13) out in the second inning. The Buffs’ 14 runs were split evenly between Reyes and reliever Kiana Zerr, who threw the final three innings before the game was called on the eight-after-five rule.

Kilee Halbert (19-6) pitched an abbreviated complete game, allowing one run on three hits with seven strikeouts.

The Greyhounds got on the board in the third, when Elena Rodriguez hit a 2-2 pitch for an infield single to score Karina Moreno — who doubled to lead off the inning.

Kamalani Peneku had ENMU’s other hit with a double to lead off the fifth.

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