Texas Tech Softball Defeats New Mexico State. Advances to Tucson Regional Championship

The Lady Raiders (42-15) defeated the New Mexico State Aggies (44-17) 6-4 to advance to the Tucson Regional Championship to face off against top seeded Arizona.

Tech was coming off a 7-0 shutout of Harvard in an earlier elimination game and the Aggies lost earlier in the day to Arizona to force this game.

Earlier in the regional New Mexico State pitcher Alex Newman threw a no hitter in a win against Tech. That was not the case today with 3rd baseman Emily Bledsoe leading off the game with a double to the left field. The Lady Raiders ended the day with 12 hits.

Tech ended the scoreless game in the 2nd via short stop Raven Richardson's 2-run home run that brought in pinch runner Jordan Palmer.

Tech extended their lead in the 4th to 3-0 with some help from the Aggies.  DP Cydney Allen singled up the middle, and on a fielding error, right fielder Ashley Hamada was able to score from 1st.

The Aggies responded in the bottom of the 4th with big hits. NCAA home run leader Hoku Nohara hit a 2 run bomb that made it a 1 run game. That homer was quickly followed by a solo shot from Valerie Swedberg to tie the game.

Tech replied in the top of the 5th with a big inning of their own. 1st baseman Sandy James would set a Tech single season record for home runs in this inning with 16. James hit a 2 run shot to bring in center fielder Mikey Kenny, who got on courtesy of a Aggie wild pitch, and reclaim the lead that they would hold for the rest of the game.

The next batter Richardson kept things for for Tech with a stand up triple. She was brought home with a Hamada single.  Tech ended their side of the inning with a 6-3 lead.

The Aggies tried to fight back in the 6th with a run, but undefeated Ashley Brokeshoulder came in to relieve Kelsey Dennis and kept the Aggies to 1 run.

For a complete list of stats click here

The Lady Raiders will face off against the Lady Wildcats today, Sunday, May 22nd. First pitch is set for 2pm. If the Lady Raiders win, game 2 will follow at 4 pm.