Clovis American wins first round

ALBUQUERQUE — And the count goes to 71-5.

That’s 71 runs scored by the Clovis American 13-14 Junior League softball team, five runs allowed, in All-Star competition thus far.

After stampeding through the New Mexico State Little League tournament, winning four games by a combined 53-5 count, Clovis American began regional play on Saturday afternoon by walloping Colorado 18-0 at Albuquerque’s Isleta Reservation.

As a result, Clovis American takes the winner’s bracket express to its next game, which will begin today at noon against Texas East.

“We watched them practice,” Clovis head coach Jose Lopez said. “They look like they’ve got it together. It’ll be good for the girls, they need the competition.”

Saturday, Clovis American hurler Marisa Lopez tossed the shutout, her second since All-Star play began July 7. She had seven strikeouts against Colorado.

Abigail Morris had five RBIs for Clovis American.

Marisa Lopez and Marina Sena supplied three hits each for Clovis American.