Softball: NM State Faces Michigan and Southern Utah to Open Sun Devil Classic

TEMPE, Ariz. – NM State opened play at the Sun Devil Classic on Friday with matchups against Michigan and Southern Utah. The Aggies put together a strong mid‑game push in the opener and jumped ahead early in the afternoon contest, showing consistency at the plate across both games.  

Game 1 – Michigan 5, NM State 3 

NM State rallied in the fourth inning, plating three runs behind an RBI single from Taylor Baca and a two‑run home run from Bella Clapp. Faith Aragon anchored the Aggie offense with a four‑hit performance while also pitching a complete game with seven strikeouts. Michigan’s four‑run third inning proved to be the deciding frame. 

Game 2 – Southern Utah 8, NM State 1 

The Aggies struck first in the opening inning on an RBI double from Devin Elam, but Southern Utah responded with a six‑run fourth that shifted control for good. Lauren Garcia and Tamara Carranza each contributed hits, while Bella Clapp added a double for her second extra‑base hit of the day. Zantelle Rodriguez provided steady relief, but the early SUU scoring push held strong. 

NOTABLES 

• Faith Aragon produced four hits against Michigan while pitching a complete game with seven strikeouts. She also recorded four hits against Michigan, marking her eighth multi‑hit game of the season and extending her hitting streak to 12 games, a new career high. 
• Bella Clapp homered and drove in two runs in game one, then added a double in the second game. 
• Devin Elam delivered extra‑base hits in both contests, including an RBI double to open scoring against Southern Utah. 
• Lauren Garcia recorded hits in both games, including an extra‑base hit in the sixth inning of the afternoon. She extended her hitting streak to 11 games, marking a new career high. 
• Violet Redondo finished the day with multiple hits, including a third‑inning single that jump‑started an early rally in game one. 
• The Aggies posted 14 total hits on the day and scored in the first inning of the second game. 

UP NEXT 

NM State returns to action on Saturday with a pair of contests at the Sun Devil Classic. The Aggies will begin the day with a rematch against Southern Utah at 12:45 p.m., looking to even the season series with the Thunderbirds. Later that evening, NM State will take on Arizona State at 6:15 p.m., marking its first meeting of the weekend with the tournament host. 
 

For complete coverage of NM State Softball during the 2026 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Softball), Twitter (@NMStateSoftball) and Instagram (@NMStateSoftball).