NM State Falls in Nine-Inning Duel to Open CUSA Play

Kayla Lunar LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Aggies officially began their inaugural season as a member of Conference USA as they welcomed Western Kentucky on Friday night at the NM State Softball Complex to commence a three-game series between the new conference foes. Ultimately, the Aggies (10-10, 0-1 CUSA) dropped the conference opener in extra innings – falling 9-1 to the visiting Hilltoppers (14-6-1).

Despite tallying seven hits, the Aggies were only able to muster one run during the extended affair – a run that came as a result of a solo home run off the bat of Jillian Taylor. In the circle, Jaileen Mancha threw all nine innings to mark her career high while giving up eight hits and recording…