Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 | Box Score 4 Hobbs, N.M.—OPSU Softball started their 2015 season off with a bang this week as they took three wins in a four-game series against the University of the Southwest Monday and Tuesday.

The Aggies got things going with a four-run shot-out win in game one. Senior pitcher Taylor Richardson grabbed her first win of the season going four innings with three hits allowed. Richardson was relieved by Samantha Arledge who finished the game with five strikeouts. Freshman Brooklyne Bolton made a big impression with a BIG triple to right center in the third inning earning two of her three RBI on the game. Bolton was also impressive on defense totaling six putouts from behind the plate and sophomore Darcie Wilson stood out at first base sending eight runners to the dugout.

USW held the Aggies to three hits in Sunday's game two with freshman Julia Ibarra taking the loss in the circle (3-4). Ibarra pitched 2.1 innings allowing five hits and three earned runs. Arledge came in at relief with one out in the third and tossed two strikeouts. Senior Laura Trehal was strong at the plate sending a triple to centerfield to bring the Aggies within one run in the seventh inning. Adrianna Vargas earned her first win for the Mustangs.

The third game of the series saw Sam Arledge taking the rubber for the Aggies; Arledge pitched the full seven innings and earned her first win by a comfortable four runs. She threw eight strikeouts and allowed just four hits and one run (unearned). Leading off for the Aggies was junior Ashley Jarzombek who smacked a double to left field for two RBI in the second inning. Madison Heathington and Darcie Wilson each hit a double as well for a combined three RBI leading the Aggies to the 5-1 victory. Anyssa Barbosa had one stolen base and Wilson once again led defensively with eight putouts, this time as catcher.

Topping off the series with another shutout victory, the Aggies took a 6-0 win in game four Tuesday afternoon. Holding a 1-0 lead through the sixth inning, the Aggies devastated the Mustang pitching crew when three pitchers combined for four base-on-balls, one hit-by-pitch and two singles giving the Aggies five runs to seal the deal. Taylor Richardson held the Mustangs to six hits and zero runs in her second win of the series. Jarzombek and Heathington each brought in two RBI for the Aggies; Salina Galindo and Anyssa Barbosa finished with one RBI apiece. Bolton and Trehal proved their strength at bat, each with one double. Heathington sat down seven runners from first base and Galindo totaled four putouts from second.

OPSU Head Coach Meghan Mulcahy was happy with her team's performance saying, "Our defense looked amazing! It was a good start to the season." The Aggies get off to a 3-1 start for 2015 and hope to continue their success on the road as they travel to Lubbock, Texas this weekend for a tournament hosted by Lubbock Christian University. They begin Saturday, Feb. 7 with a seven inning game against Mid-America Christian at 3 p.m. and conclude with a doubleheader on Sunday against Western New Mexico starting at 1 p.m.