It was a productive stretch across multiple fronts for the West Texas A&M Buffaloes, with a bounce-back win on the diamond and a pair of conference victories on the court.
Baseball
WT got back in the win column Friday with a 14-3 run-rule victory over rival Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds in Portales.
After a slow start at the plate, the Buffs broke things open beginning in the fifth inning. Jake Alwine helped spark the rally, while Tristin Thomas delivered key extra-base hits that fueled multiple scoring frames.
WT added three runs in the sixth to extend the lead before a four-run seventh created separation. The Buffs continued to pour it on in the eighth, highlighted by Anthony Picciano’s two-run triple that helped bring the game to an early close.
Cade Griffin earned the win with 5.2 innings of work, navigating through traffic while limiting damage. Riley Kettner followed with 2.1 scoreless innings in relief to finish the job.
Softball
The sixth-ranked Lady Buffs begin Lone Star Conference play this weekend with a rivalry trip to Portales.
WT enters the season looking to build on one of the most dominant stretches in Division II softball. Since the program’s return in 2006, the Lady Buffs have established themselves as a national force with two national championships and three regional titles.
Last year’s 56-8 record included a share of the conference title and extended time near the top of the national rankings.
Head coach Michael Mook continues to lead one of the nation’s premier programs and recently secured a contract extension that keeps him in Canyon through at least 2028.
Eastern New Mexico enters the weekend with a winning record and early-season momentum, led offensively by Christine Meneses and in the circle by Miranda Guillen. Despite that, WT has historically controlled the series, including a four-game sweep last season.
Men’s Basketball
The Buffs relied on defensive pressure to earn a 75-63 Lone Star Conference win over the UT Dallas Comets in Canyon.
WT forced 26 turnovers and turned them into transition scoring opportunities throughout the night.
Mishak led the way with 20 points and four steals, while Williams added 19 points and was perfect at the free-throw line. TJ Brown contributed 15 points, and Sledge made his presence felt defensively with multiple steals and blocks.
The Buffs maintained control down the stretch and now head on the road to face the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas in their final regular-season road trip.
Women’s Basketball
The eighth-ranked Lady Buffs completed the sweep of UT Dallas with a 68-61 victory.
WT set the tone early and led throughout, using strong play in the paint and transition offense to maintain separation.
Taylor Haggan posted a double-double to anchor the effort, while Randi Harding led the team in scoring. Kyla Kane added key rebounding, and Henley West contributed on the defensive end with multiple blocks.
WT withstood a late push from the Comets and closed out the win with timely stops and free throws.
