Carranza hits for the cycle, NMSU softball wins series opener

NM State began its latest Conference USA series against FIU March 20 by delivering one of its most well‑rounded offensive outings of the season, highlighted by key home runs and Tamara Carranza’s remarkable performance at the plate.

After FIU briefly closed the gap midway through the contest, the Aggies responded with steady scoring across four straight innings to secure a 10–6 victory at the NM State Softball Complex.  

After a scoreless first, NMSU struck for three in the second behind a solo homer from Carranza and a two‑run triple by Faith Aragon. FIU answered with two in the third, but the Aggies countered immediately as Carranza tripled and Joleeanna Hair drove home two with a single to make it 5–2.

Carranza completed the cycle, going 4‑for‑4 with a home run, triple, double, single, three runs scored, and an RBI. Devin Elam reached base three times and Aragon went 2‑for‑4 with 3 RBIs, including a two‑run triple and a solo home run. Skye Johnson delivered a two‑hit game and scored twice. 

NM State added separation with Kendal Lunar’s solo homer in the fourth and then fully broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs behind Elam’s three‑run blast and a solo shot by Aragon. FIU rallied for three in the seventh, but NM State held steady to secure the series opener.