HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball team couldn't find an offensive rhythm to match that of New Mexico, falling 8-0 on opening day of 2025 Thursday in the Bearkat Classic.
The Islanders (0-1) weren't able to combat a New Mexico (1-0) squad that jumped early to go up 7-0 after just two innings. Although A&M-Corpus Christi would settle in the field to keep the Lobos scoreless the next two frames, their offense couldn't get going in response as New Mexico was able to tack on one more run in the bottom of the fifth to wrap up a shortened 8-0 game.
Four Islanders made it on base in attempt to get going, with sophomores
Isabella Hune and
Karisa Lopez each drawing a walk in their first at-bats of the year. Newcomer junior
Ripley Welker was credited with the team's first hit of the year when she singled up the middle in the second.
It was the only hit the Islanders could get past New Mexico's McKenna Guest who went all five innings.
The second inning proved to be the most offensive-producing frame of the day for the Islanders, who only ever got back on base off a New Mexico mistake in the third that had sophomore
Natalie Garcia make it to second on the errant throw.
Senior
Siarah Galvan and newcomer junior
Holly Ayala both saw time in the circle today, with Galvan getting the start and earning her first swinging strikeout of the year in the first.
"We got behind the ball well on a few at bats, but ended up either hitting it right to them or New Mexico just made great plays," said head coach
Kathleen Rodriguez. "We also had a couple of unfortunate plays where the ball went directly into the sun that translated into some runs. With a strong hitting and fielding team like New Mexico, those mistake just can't happen. Now we regroup, study some film, and get back to work tomorrow."
It was just the sixth ever meeting between the Islanders and Lobos and first since 2005 when the former won 7-6, though New Mexico now moves to 5-1 in the all-time series.
The Islanders will look to get going tomorrow, continuing in the Bearkat Classic against Tulsa at 11:30 a.m. and Bryant at 2 p.m.
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