PORTALES, N.M. (February 27, 2024) –Maxine Valdez struck out 10 Eastern New Mexico hitters over 7.1 innings of work, but it was not enough as Taighen Whitzel hit a walk-off solo home run in the eighth inning and Lubbock Christian University lost to the Greyhounds 4-3 in the opening game of a Lone Star Conference series at Greyhound Softball Field. The win was ENMU's first-ever win over the Lady Chaps.
 
In addition to her 10 strikeouts, Valdez (2-4) went 7.1 innings, giving up four runs, two earned, on three hits for Lubbock Christian (6-8, 5-5). Unfortunately for Valdez, it's a second consecutive start leading to a walk-off loss.
 
At the plate, the Chaparrals were led by Tiarra Delrosario, who went 2-for-4 on the day with two RBI, including a two-out RBI in the top of the seventh inning to force extra innings. Ally Oyanguren put together a standout day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a double. Senior Baylea Myers also helped out for Lubbock Christian, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding two walks.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Lady Chaparrals had a two-run top of the third inning, as Sydnee Bowlin and Delrosario each had two-out RBI base hits to give LCU the lead. Trailing 3-2, as ENMU scored a pair in the bottom of the third inning, the Lady Chaps were down to their last out in the top of the seventh inning and Kamryn Gibbs at third base. Delrosario came up big again with two outs, as she singled through the left side to tie the game at 3-3. With one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Whitzel ended the game with a home run to left-centerfield.
 
GAME NOTES
» Valdez fanned a season-high 10 Greyhounds hitters. The performance was her seventh of her career to strikeout at least 10 batters.

» Of Valdez's four losses in the circle this season, three have been one-run losses. LCU is averaging 1.25 runs per game in the games they have lost when she starts.

» The Chaparrals out-hit the Greyhounds at a 6-3 clip. They have out-hit their opponents in seven consecutive games.

» Lubbock Christian went 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position.

» Valdez limited Eastern New Mexico to go 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. On the season, opponents are hitting .172 against Valdez with runners in scoring position.

» Valdez faced 30 Eastern New Mexico hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and two fly balls while striking out 10.

» The game was LCU's first extra-inning game of the season. LCU has dropped their last two extra-inning games (dating back to last season). The Lady Chaps went 5-1 last season in games ending in extra innings.

» Delrosario led the Chaparrals at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI. Her fourth multi-hit game of the season extended her hit streak to a team-leading 13 games.

» Eastern New Mexico's walk-off home run by Taighen Whitzel, marked her sixth home run of the season.
 
» Emma Southerland (6-1) led the Greyhounds pitching staff, throwing 8.0 innings and allowing three runs off six hits and punching out six batters.
 
» The win was ENMU's first-ever win over LCU, as LCU's all-time record against ENMU moves to 42-1 all-time. ENMU is now 1-16 against LCU in Portales.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The three-game series continues Wednesday with a 2 p.m. (Central) doubleheader in Portales.