LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M opened the season 2-0 with victories over Newman and Fort Hays State on Friday at the LCU Invitational hosted by Lubbock Christian.
 
THE BASICS
Game 1 Score:  West Texas A&M 9, Newman 2
Records: West Texas A&M (1-0), Newman (0-3)
Location: Lubbock Christian School in Lubbock, Texas
 
The Jets opened the game with a 1-0 lead in first after a run was walked in, but with bases loaded a groundout to third got the Lady Buffs out of the inning.  WT took control of the game in the second with a two-run RBI double by freshman Hailey Neira for her first collegiate at bat. 
 
A solo homerun for Taylor Ullery leveled the score but responded by the Lady Buffs with five runs on five hits to add insurance in the third.  Sydney Greeson tallied a double followed by a single from Alyx Cordell to put runners in scoring position to bring freshman Gabriella Valforte to the plate.  The Texas native sent one deep and over in centerfield to bring home Greeson and Cordell to make it 5-2.
 
The Lady Buffs added four to the board including Valforte's second homer of the day to secure a 9-2 season opening victory.  
 
Freshman right-handed pitcher Halle Lytal was rewarded the win in her college debut allowing one hit with six strikeouts in four complete innings. Erica Vessels led at the plate as the senior tallied three hits while Valforte led with five RBI and Neira with three.
 
THE BASICS
Game 2 Score: West Texas A&M 4, Fort Hays State 1
Records: West Texas A&M (2-0), Fort Hays State (1-1)
Location: PlainsCapital Park in Lubbock, Texas
 
 WT took the early lead as Ruby Salzman stole home to put the Lady Buffs ahead 1-0 before FHSU tied the score after capitalizing on a wild pitch in the third.
 
The Lady Buffs immediately responded as Maddie Geidel dropped a two-run home run into centerfield to give WT the go ahead lead.  The Tigers challenged the Lady Buffs lead as Lily Sale singled to the infield but a strikeout for Kyra Lair would end the threat. 
 
Senior Shanna McBroom hit a solo shot to right center to add another run to the board for Lady Buffs.  WT held FHSU to the end as the Lady Buffs earned the 4-1 victory.
 
Kyra Lair earned the victory in the circle for WT allowing just one run on six hits through seven complete innings, including seven strikeouts.  McBroom and Salzman each tallied two hits to lead at the plate. 
 
UP NEXT
WT will return to Lubbock for their final matchups at the LCU Invitational as they face Nebraska-Kearney at 11 a.m. followed by a game with Washburn at 3 p.m.