Bears Score Six Runs Throughout Saturday Double Header

Saturday, March 5

Albuquerque, N.M.

1:00 PM

University of Northern Colorado

3-9

University of New Mexico

9-7

Northern Colorado

New Mexico

3/5/2016 10:31:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

UNC fell short against New Mexico in both games on the day

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - UNC Softball played a double header on Saturday against New Mexico, taking in losses in both, 7-3 and 8-3, respectively.

"There were a lot of improvements today, but unfortunately we still fell short," head coach Shana Easley said. "New Mexico made several great plays between the two days, so credit is definitely due to them. We were able to out-hit them in the second game, and overall our quality at-bats were as high as they have been all season. If we can continue to build on that progress and make them earn every base tomorrow, we will be a lot more successful."

GAME 1: New Mexico 7, Northern Colorado 3

In the first game of the afternoon, UNC picked up four hits and three runs (including a home run), while giving up eight runs for the loss.

The first hits of the game for Northern Colorado occurred in the fourth inning, with Lauren Paige singling through the left side. Another single from Ari Samaniego advanced Paige's pinch runner, Cheyenne Talmadge, to second.

The pair moved bases again after a ground out by Adeline Coldiron, and a bases clearing double to left center by Rachel Johnson brought across the two runners. Johnson was stranded on base at the end of the inning.

The fourth hit of the game came in the sixth inning, when Paige homered to right center, scoring the third and final Bear run.

Lauren Paige took the loss for the Bears, giving up all seven runs in the first 4.1 innings. Valerie Vidal took over in the circle for the last 1.2 innings, giving up only one hit and picking up two strikeouts.

GAME 2: New Mexico 8, Northern Colorado 3

The second game faired similarly for the Bears, with the squad picking up three runs on nine hits. Kaley Garcia, Erica Dick, and Jordyn Wiatrak all had two hits throughout the game, with Madi Schmidt, Coldiron, and Sarah Fitzherbert earning the remaining three.

All three UNC runs were scored in a huge sixth inning, which Erica Dick got started with a single to center field.

She advanced to second on a wild pitch, while Paige was walked to first. Talmadge, pinch running for Paige yet again, moved to second on a wild pitch, and Dick to third.

Another walk for UNC loaded the bases. A single down the right field line by Coldiron brought home Talmadge and Dick, and advanced Samaniego to third.

Another single to right field, this time by Waitrak, pushed across Samaniego for the final Northern Colorado run of the day.

Jayme Reddacliff and Kelli Kleis split the pitching duties for the game, with Reddacliff taking the first four innings, picking up two strikeouts but giving up seven runs. Kleis added a strikeout of her own in the remaining two innings, but also gave up a run.

UNC is right back out on the field on Sunday to play the third game of the series against New Mexico. The game is slated for an 11:00 a.m. MT start. The Bears will then head back to Greeley to prepare for a double header against Nebraska-Omaha on Tuesday, March 8.

For more information on the Bears this season, check out UNCBears.com, visit their official Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter at @BearsSoftball.