Aggie softball wins two on opening day

The NM State softball team opened the 2026 season Friday with a home doubleheader at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies powered past UMass Lowell in the opener before battling back from behind to defeat UT Arlington in a high‑scoring nightcap to finish the day unbeaten.

Game 1 – NM State 8, UMass Lowell 0 (5 inn.)

NMSU broke the game open with five runs in the third inning, highlighted by a three‑run home run from senior Devin Elam. In the circle, Taryn Bennett tossed four scoreless innings and Zantelle Rodriguez closed the fifth as the Aggies completed a three‑hit shutout.

Game 2 – NM State 11, UT Arlington 9

The Aggies erased an early five-run deficit and propelled past the Mavericks with a game-changing five‑run fifth inning. The big inning was capped by back‑to‑back extra‑base hits from Johnna Aragon and Faith Aragon, followed by a two‑run blast from Elam. Jaileen Mancha earned the win in relief, holding UT Arlington to one unearned run over the final 3.2 innings as NM State improved to 2‑0.

The Aggies totaled 20 hits, including four home runs and five doubles on the day. Devin Elam finished the day with two home runs and seven RBIs to pace the Aggies in both categories. She was also one of three Aggies to post a team-high three hits across the two games.

FaiFreshmen Makenzie Jones and Taylor Baca made an immediate impact in their debuts as Jones finished the day 3-5 with two RBIs and three stolen bases, while Baca submitted a pair of hits, including a double, and an RBI.ones finished the day 3-5 with two RBIs and three stolen bases, while Baca added a pair of hits, including a double, and an RBI.

 "I thought we competed well. The second game wasn’t smooth, but it was tough – and that matters," said interim head coach Benet Higgs. "This group keeps leaning into challenges instead of avoiding them. They made the plays when it counted. That’s the identity we’re building. Looking forward to tomorrow.”

With the wins, NM State moved to 58-15 (.795) at home over the last 18 opening weekends. The Aggies will continue play in the NM State Invitational on Saturday afternoon as they welcome St. Thomas and Utah Valley for a doubleheader that is slated to start at 3 p.m. The NM State Softball Complex will host a total of four games on Saturday as a pair of neutral-site games precede the Aggie contests.

Fans interested in attending Saturday’s games can purchase tickets online at nmstatesports.com/tickets or in person at the NM State Softball Complex ticket booth. A full-session pass that grants access to the remaining six games is available for $45, while day passes are available for $20 each and single-game tickets are on sale for $12 each.

Additionally, all kids under the age of 12 get in free. NMSU Students are also granted free entry with a valid NMSU student ID and, as always, Aggie Country Pass and season ticket holders will be granted access.

Games involving NMSU will be broadcast live via radio on KRUX 91.5 FM. Play-by-play on Saturday will be provided by Duke Keith. Additionally, fans can use the link found on the NM State softball schedule at nmstatesports.com to tune in from anywhere.

Live stats for all nine games will also be available at nmstatesports.com/stats.