LOS LUNAS, N.M. (February 1, 2026) – The final game of the South Central Crossover saw the UT Permian Basin softball team give up 10 runs in the first two innings and fall 11-5 in its second game against New Mexico Highlands University in as many days.

The NMHU (2-2 overall) offense got off to a good start against Laila Vasquez (0-2) in the bottom of the first inning, starting off with back-to-back singles before a passed ball put two runners in scoring position with nobody out. The Cowgirls then scored a run on three consecutive plate appearances, scoring first on a wild pitch on a walk, second on grounder to first base, and third on a sacrifice fly to center field.

UTPB (3-2) tried to answer back with back-to-back singles itself to start off the second inning. However, with the bases loaded and just one out, the Falcons got only one run back as Mia Serrato brought in a run with a fielder's choice to second base, but a called strike three on the next at bat left a runner at third base.

Three straight walks to start off the inning had the NMHU offense in business again in the bottom of the second. What that ultimately led to was a huge seven-run inning for the Cowgirls on just three hits. All seven runs were scored with two outs and came via a two-run double to center field, an RBI-single to center field, and a three-run home run to left field.

UTPB got a three-run home run itself in the bottom of the second, that one coming with one out and to center field off the bat of Gabriella Cabrera to make it a 10-4 deficit.

Jessica Cantrell came in to the get the final out of the top of the second inning and allowed just two hits in her first 3.1 innings before giving up a solo homer to center field in the sixth inning.

In the end, NMHU finished with more runs scored (11) than it did hits (8).

Kaylee Moses, Carlee Quintero, Cabrera and Michelle Balcazar all finished with two hits for a UTPB offense that totaled nine hits.

 
Coach's Quote:

• UTPB Head Softball Coach David Martinez said, "Today did not go our way, but we competed and fought through every pitch this weekend to walk away 3-2. We will take the lessons from today and keep building for our next game."

 
Opening Weekend Combined Statistical Leaders:

• Keri Sanford hit .500 (8-16) and led the team with eight hits and four walks.
• Angelina Arriaga hit .429 (6-14), hit two home runs on the first day of the season, and led the team in RBI's (7) and runs scored (6).
• Carlee Quintero matched Arriaga with six hits, and was also second on the team in runs (5).
• Gabriella Cabrera matched Arriaga with two home runs during opening weekend while pitchers Laila Vasquez and Jessica Cantrell both homered as well.
• In the circle, Cantrell was 2-0 with two completes games, one shutout, a 0.72 ERA and 25 strikeouts across 19.1 innings.

Next Up: The Falcons will play at home for the first time this season, hosting Northwestern Oklahoma State University for a four-game series. The two teams will play a doubleheader on both days, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, and starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 8.