Zias take 2 of 3 in WT event

CANYON, Texas — Freshman Amy Smith earned a win and a save on Friday as Eastern New Mexico University's softball team took two out of three on the first day of a three-day tournament being hosted by West Texas A&M.

The Zias (3-4) routed Texas-Permian Basin 9-2 in their first outing, then lost to St. Edward's 6-3 before turning back Oklahoma Panhandle State 5-4.

Smith (1-1) threw a complete-game eight-hitter against UTPB (0-5), striking out six and walking one. She was touched only for a two-run homer in the fourth by Falcons third baseman Tielfa Dueberry.

Meantime, the Zias scored in each of the first six innings, finishing the game with 10 hits. Freshman left fielder Savannah Chavez went 2-for-2 with a walk and a pair of RBIs, while junior designated player Amanda Leal also had two hits.

St. Ed's (3-2) scored all its runs in the bottom of the first against freshman Albie Medina, highlighted by first baseman Jenny Varteressian's three-run double. Sara DeBrow (1-0) made the lead stand up for the Hilltoppers, surviving a three-run ENMU sixth that included an RBI single by Smith and Leal's two-run homer.

Medina (2-2) earned the win over OPSU (4-3) in the finale, allowing three hits in six innings. Leading 5-3, Smith allowed a run to score on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh, but struck out first baseman Dezyrae Arredondo to end it with the tying run on base for her first save.

The Zias are scheduled to play two more games today and two on Sunday to round out the event.