Softball Splits Day One of Troy Cox Classic

Friday, February 14

Las Cruces, N.M.

11:30 a.m.

University of Northern Colorado

1-4

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi

3-4

Texas A&M-CC

Northern Colorado

Photo by: Jam David

2/14/2025 9:07:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

The Bears Totaled Nine Home Runs Across Two Games

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Northern Colorado wrapped up a high-scoring day at the Troy Cox Classic, splitting its doubleheader with a 13-10 victory over New Mexico State after falling 12-9 to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at the NM State Softball Complex.

GAME 1 | TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI 12, NORTHERN COLORADO 9
Pitching: (W) M. Williams (2-1); (L) A. Wilming (0-2)

Northern Colorado found itself in an early hole as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi plated four runs in the second and three more in the third to jump ahead 7-2. The Bears responded in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer from Abby Gaona and in the third with a two-run homer from Kenzie Carter, cutting into the deficit.

The Islanders extended their lead with a five-run fourth, but UNC roared back in the fifth. Katie Walling launched a one-run blast, and Gaona and Jazzy Longo followed with a pair of RBIs as part of a three-run inning that brought the Bears within striking distance.

The Bears would string together a pair of runs in the sixth and seventh but couldn't complete the comeback. Gaona led the way, going 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, while Walling added three hits and two RBIs.

GAME 2 | NORTHERN COLORADO 13, NEW MEXICO STATE 10
Pitching: (W) I. DiNapoli (2-1); (L) D. Spearman (1-2)

UNC wasted no time rebounding in the nightcap, jumping out to an early lead with two runs in the first and two more in the second. After New Mexico State fought back, the Bears exploded in the fifth inning, plating six runs behind back-to-back home runs from Amailee Morales, Ella Gonzales, and Jazzy Longo to take control.

The Bears tacked on three more insurance runs in the sixth, highlighted by a shot from Longo. New Mexico State attempted a late rally, but Anna Wilming and the UNC defense held strong to secure the win.

Morales shined, going 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs, while Chacon added three hits, a home run, and an RBI. UNC racked up 17 hits, including six home runs, to power past the Aggies.

With the split, Northern Colorado moves to 2-4 on the season, while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi improves to 3-4 and New Mexico State falls to 4-4.

UP NEXT
The Bears will compete against #17 Nebraska at 11:45 a.m. and New Mexico State at 4:30 p.m. before traveling to El Paso on Sunday to take part in the Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament.

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For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the softball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsSB).