Softball: Aggies Fall to North Dakota in Birds Up Bash Finale

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – NM State closed its Birds Up Bash slate on Sunday morning with a single matchup against North Dakota. The Aggies jumped ahead with a two‑run first inning, but North Dakota answered in the middle frames to take control.  

Game – North Dakota 5, NM State 2 

NM State opened the morning with a sharp first inning as Faith Aragon singled, Kendal Lunar doubled, and Lauren Garcia punched home the game’s first run before Skye Johnson added an RBI groundout to make it 2–0. North Dakota responded with three runs in the third and two in the fourth to move in front for good. Lauren Garcia later doubled and Destan Burks came off the bench with a seventh‑inning double, while Jaileen Mancha and Zantelle Rodriguez combined to cover all six defensive frames in the circle. 

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NOTABLES 

• Lauren Garcia finished 2‑for‑3 with an RBI single in the first and a double in the third. 
• Kendal Lunar opened the day with a first‑inning double and scored to help spark the early lead. 
• Destan Burks provided a pinch‑hit double in the seventh to create a late scoring opportunity. 
• Zantelle Rodriguez tossed 2.1 scoreless innings of relief without allowing a hit. 

NEXT UP  

NM State now returns home after two straight weeks on the road to open the season. The Aggies begin Conference USA play this coming weekend, hosting LA Tech in their league opener. First pitch is set for Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at the NM State Softball Complex. 

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).