Zias settle for split at OPSU

GOODWELL, Okla. — Oklahoma Panhandle State struck for nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and beat Eastern New Mexico University 14-7 on Tuesday to salvage a split of their non-conference softball doubleheader.

The Zias won the opener 13-4.

Designated hitter Emily Vasquez drove in six runs in the nightcap for the Lady Aggies (4-29) with a three-run homer in the first, an RBI single in the fifth and a two-run fielder's choice in the sixth. Catcher Kaitlin McCool and left fielder Junna'e Dei'Re each had two-run singles in the sixth for OPSU.

In the opener, the Zias (8-24) scored in every inning except the fifth and cruised behind a 4-for-5 performance from freshman catcher Kyra Sirag. Meantime, Alberta Medina (1-7) worked four innings of one-hit ball in relief of starter Vanessa Ramirez.

Ke VonSchriltz had three hits for the Zias, while Beatriz Caporal, Lizzy Velasquez, Sirag and Rebecca Marrujo were all credited with two RBIs.

OPSU was playing only its third and fourth home games this season, and stands 2-2 after also splitting with New Mexico Highlands. The Lady Aggies had lost five in a row and 27 of 28 before winning the nightcap.

OPSU ended a seven-game losing streak to the Zias and now trails the all-time series 42-7. The Lady Aggies' last win over ENMU came in the opener of an April 11, 2011 twin bill.

ENMU resumes Lone Star Conference play with a three-game series against Incarnate Word this weekend at Zia Softball Field.