Softball: Aggies Roll to 14–5 Victory in Conference USA Opener

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State began its Conference USA slate on Friday night with a dominating performance, tallying 14 runs on 14 hits to record a run‑rule win over LA Tech at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies scored in each of the first four innings, launching five home runs and maintaining control throughout the league opener. Faith Aragon earned the victory in the circle and contributed one of NM State’s early home runs to help set the tone for the decisive win. 

Game – NM State 14, LA Tech 5 (5 inn.) 

NM State set the tone immediately as Devin Elam and Faith Aragon went back‑to‑back in the first before a five‑run second and a five‑run third blew the game open. The offensive surge carried on with home runs from Jade Valladares and Taylor Baca in the third inning, and a two‑run blast by Kendal Lunar in the fourth. Faith Aragon struck out six in 3.0 scoreless innings to secure the win, while the Aggies played clean defense with zero errors. 

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NOTABLES 

• Five homers for NM State: Devin Elam, Faith Aragon, Kendal Lunar, Jade Valladares and Taylor Baca each left the yard. 
• Devin Elam reached three times and scored three runs, finishing 2‑for‑3 with a homer and a single. 
• Faith Aragon posted a 3.0‑IP, 6‑K start and added two hits with two RBIs, including a first‑inning homer. 
• Kendal Lunar delivered two RBIs and a fourth‑inning two‑run homer; she also scored two runs. 
• Jade Valladares turned in a two‑hit game highlighted by a solo shot to start the third‑inning surge. 
• Taylor Baca homered and added a bunt single as part of a multi‑hit, multi‑run night. 
• Lauren Garcia ripped a two‑run double in the second and finished with two RBIs. 
• Skye Johnson knocked a two‑run single in the third and totaled two RBIs. 

NEXT UP 

NM State continues its opening Conference USA weekend as the Aggies host LA Tech for the second game of the three‑game series. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 4 p.m. at the NM State Softball Complex as NM State looks to build on its strong start to league play. 

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).