Errors costly in Zias' loss

Freedom New Mexico

The Zia softball team had a rough day in the field, and a rougher one on the scoreboard.

Eastern New Mexico committed a season-high eight errors in its Lone Star Conference South Division opener, and visiting Abilene Christian took advantage for a 22-11 win Friday at Zia Softball Field.

Senior first baseman Taylor Howard and freshman catcher Samantha Emms were each 3-for-4 for the Zias.

The Wildcats got on the board in the second inning when a throw by starting pitcher Erin Roufose (3-12) went wide of first and a pair of runs scored. Abilene Christian (15-13, 1-0) tacked on two more runs in the inning, and never trailed.

Of the 22 runs scored, 11 were unearned, including seven of the 14 runs in the final two innings. The Zias (5-16, 0-1) had not committed more than four errors in a contest this season.

Shelby Hall (5-8) picked up the win, allowing six runs on 11 hits.

Seven players had multi-hit games for the Wildcats, led by third baseman Valentina Nabayan’s 4-for-6 with a homer.

Zias’ freshman right fielder Tessa Fioritti went 1-for-5, but hit a three-run double in the seventh before she was thrown out at third to end the contest.