TUCSON, Ariz. – West Texas A&M split the second day of the Cactus Class, falling to Dixie State, 8-5, before a 11-2 victory over Lindenwood (Mo.) on Friday night.  The Lady Buffs are now 5-4 on the season as they advance to day three of tournament play.
 
THE BASICS
Game 1 Score: Dixie State 8, West Texas A&M 5
Records: Dixie State (10-1), West Texas A&M (4-4)
Location: Lincoln Park in Tucson, Ariz.
 
Dixie State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as the Laura Lockard singled up the middle to score the runner from second. 
 
After four scoreless innings, the Lady Buffs made their way on to the board scoring five unanswered runs in the fifth.  Back-to-back singles by Julia Guzman and Shyanne Sanchez put runners in scoring position for the first time.  A fielder's choice on a bunt by Sydney Greeson scored Guzman from third to even the game before Ruby Salzman singled up the middle to give the Lady Buffs the go ahead lead.  With bases loaded, Alyx Cordell was hit by a pitch to bring in another run.  WT took advantage of an error by the shortstop to bring two runs across the plate to lead by four.
 
The Trailblazers immediately responded as they brought in four runs in the bottom half of the inning to tie the score, 5-5.  DSU took the go ahead lead as pinch hitter Shea Clements dropped a two-run home run into left center to take control of the game.
 
Cambrie Hazel (4-1) picked up the win for the Trailblazers allowing one hit in 2.1 innings with three strikeouts.  Kyra Lair (4-2) was credited with the loss as the sophomore allowed eight runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
 
THE BASICS
Game 2 Score: West Texas A&M 11, Lindenwood (Mo.) 2
Records: West Texas A&M (5-4), Lindenwood (1-1)
Location: Lincoln Park in Tucson Ariz.
 
The Lady Buffs wasted no time as they opened scoring in the first inning with three runs.  Shanna McBroom led off with a walk before Julia Guzman singled down the right field line to put runners on base for WT.  After a double steal, Sydney Greeson was walked to load the bases where Alyx Cordell hit a sacrifice fly ball to left field to score McBroom.  A RBI single for baseman Steph Elliott and fly ball to center field by Brittany Cruz pushed the Lady Buffs lead, 3-0.  Lindenwood would respond with a run as Whitney Wendel recorded a single to score the runner from second.
 
WT would get the run back in the third as Cruz would tally her second RBI of the game with a double to centerfield.  LWU brought in another run to bridge the gap of the Lady Buffs lead to two in the fourth.
 
In the final inning, the Lady Buffs found their rhythm as seven runs were added to the board for WT.  After two runs were walked in, Elliott made contact for a two-run RBI single up the middle to advance the lead 7-2.  The Lady Buffs would take advantage of a fielding error and passed ball to add more two insurance runs before Maddie Geidel smoked a two-run RBI double down the right field line to make it 11-2.
 
Kyra Lair (5-2) picked up her fifth victory as the Canyon native allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Buffs will take on Western Oregon at 11 a.m. CT tomorrow, Feb. 15, followed by a matchup against Fort Lewis at 4 p.m. CT for day three of tournament action.