Lady Buffs dominate opening weekend with 6 straight wins in New Mexico

The No. 8 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs wasted no time announcing themselves this season, rolling through New Mexico with six straight victories and putting together a weekend that was equal parts dominant and disciplined. Behind the steady hand of veteran head coach Michael Mook, WT surrendered just one run across six games and posted five shutouts, setting a high bar right out of the gate.

The Lady Buffs opened the campaign in emphatic fashion Friday afternoon with an 8–0 run-rule win over New Mexico Highlands. The offense clicked immediately, piling up 14 hits and scoring eight runs while keeping constant pressure on the bases. Jordyn De Los Santos delivered the program’s first long ball of the season, a two-run shot that highlighted a strong all-around performance. Cadence Colborn, Trinity Kuntz, and Bella Holland each chipped in two hits, showcasing the lineup’s depth. In the circle, Laci Peskey set the tone with four efficient innings, allowing just two hits.

Friday night followed a similar script, as WT overwhelmed Adams State 11–0 in five innings. De Los Santos stayed hot, launching her second home run of the weekend, this one driving in three. Brooke Janning added three run-producing hits, while Colborn and Janning stretched defenses with triples and Abby Howell and Emily Liskai added doubles. Janning was just as effective pitching, striking out seven in three innings as the Lady Buffs matched runs with runs.

Saturday afternoon brought a tougher test in Colorado–Colorado Springs, but the result remained the same. WT jumped out early with five runs in the first two innings, highlighted by Colborn’s two-run double and a string of consecutive run-scoring doubles from Moreno, Kuntz, and Holland. De Los Santos added insurance later, while Janning went the distance, scattering two hits across seven scoreless innings.

The nightcap turned into the most explosive showing of the tournament. The Lady Buffs dismantled Southwestern Oklahoma State 15–1, racking up 16 hits and 14 RBIs. De Los Santos and Melanie Baldwin both went deep, with De Los Santos adding a triple and Moreno collecting two doubles. Peskey earned her second win of the weekend, and the pitching staff again limited opportunities.

Sunday only reinforced the weekend’s theme. WT blanked SWOSU 8–0 in five innings, powered by home runs from Colborn and Liskai, and strong pitching from Janning, who struck out ten while moving to 3–0 on the season. The finale against Adams State ended in a 17–0 run-rule victory, with contributions coming from across the roster, including Maddie Hight producing a run and swiping her first base of the year.

Across six games, the Lady Buffs displayed balance, power, and pitching depth, all hallmarks of a team with championship aspirations. If this opening weekend was any indication, West Texas A&M is poised for a special season.