Softball: Carranza Hits for the Cycle as Aggies Power Past FIU in Series Opener

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State began its latest Conference USA series against FIU by delivering one of its most well‑rounded offensive outings of the season, highlighted by key home runs and Tamara Carranza’s remarkable performance at the plate. After FIU briefly closed the gap midway through the contest, the Aggies responded with steady scoring across four straight innings to secure a 10–6 victory at the NM State Softball Complex.  

After a scoreless first, NM State struck for three in the second behind a solo homer from Tamara Carranza and a two‑run triple from Faith Aragon. FIU answered with two in the third, but the Aggies countered immediately as Tamara Carranzatripled and Joleeanna Hair drove home two with a single to make it 5–2. NM State added separation with Kendal Lunar’s solo homer in the fourth and then fully broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs behind Devin Elam’s three‑run blast and a solo shot from Faith Aragon. FIU rallied for three in the seventh, but NM State held steady to secure the series opener.

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NOTABLES 

• Tamara Carranza completed the cycle, going 4‑for‑4 with a home run, triple, double, single, 3 runs scored, and an RBI. 
• Devin Elam reached base three times and crushed a three‑run home run in the fifth. 
• Faith Aragon went 2‑for‑4 with 3 RBIs, including a two‑run triple and a solo home run. 
• Kendal Lunar added a solo home run and scored once. 
• Skye Johnson delivered a two‑hit game and scored twice. 
• Joleeanna Hair provided a two‑RBI single in the third to spark a key rally. 

NEXT UP  

NM State continues its weekend slate against FIU with Game Two of the series set for Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m. at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies will look to carry Friday’s offensive momentum into the second matchup and position themselves for a potential series win. 

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).