Texas Tech Athletics
New Mexico State
New Mexico State No-Hits Texas Tech in Regional Opener
May 20, 2011 | Softball
May 20, 2011
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Press Conference
TUCSON, Ariz. - Alex Newman no-hit Texas Tech over five innings as New Mexico State opened the NCAA Tucson Regional with a 9-0 run rule over the Red Raiders Friday afternoon at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
The loss sends Tech to the consolation side of the double-elimination format as the Red Raiders move on to face the loser of tonight's Arizona and Harvard game Saturday afternoon. New Mexico State, meanwhile, will face the winner earlier in the day at 4 p.m. (CT).
"That was quick and painful," Tech head coach Shanon Hays said following the game. "After the first inning, we never really seemed in the game. I'm surprised by the way we played, and I thought we'd be more aggressive and make some plays in the field that we normally make."
The no-hitter was the first for the normally potent Tech offense under Hays. The Red Raiders entered the postseason with the third-highest batting average in the country.
New Mexico State came into the game with the nation's fifth-highest average and showed why early as Ashley Maroda gave the Aggies the first runs of the game with a two-run single in the second.
Maroda frustrated the Tech pitching staff all day as she finished 3-for-3 at the plate with two home runs en route to five RBI in the game. Her second home run in the fifth put the Aggies in position to end the game via run rule.
The Aggies, who were making their first regional appearance all-time, chased Tech starter Brittany Talley (14-7) after only 2.1 innings as Kermitria Ward came on in relief for the freshman. Ward fared no better, however, as she gave up a two-run home run to Valarie Swedberg and a solo shot to Maroda as part of a five-run third inning.
Raven Richardson nearly gave Tech its first hit of the game in the fifth, but shortstop Kylie Randall went to her right to make the diving stop and threw from her knees to get the out at first, keeping the no-hitter intact.
The Red Raiders will look to rebound Saturday evening in a 6:30 p.m. (CT) game against either the Wildcats or Crimson.
