Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
New Mexico
Minnich sets home-run mark, but 'Cats fall to Lobos
3/23/2012 8:27:00 PM | Softball
BOISE, Idaho - A strong effort for four innings was undone with a disastrous fifth for the Weber State University softball team.
Trailing 6-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Wildcats allowed seven run as New Mexico rallied for a 13-5 run-rule victory in the opening game of the SpringHill Suites Invitational on Friday morning at Mountain Cove Field.
The loss spoiled a record-breaking day for senior third baseman Lyndsey Minnich, who hit a solo home run in the third inning to become the Wildcats' career home-run leader. Minnich also tied the single-season home run record of 10 with the blast.
Trailing 4-0 heading into the top of the third, Weber State hit home runs during three consecutive at-bats, as senior second baseman Symbree Minniear, Minnich and freshman catch Janel Cunningham each sent the ball over the fence.
Senior first baseman Kami Holley was walked, bringing in Brooke Silva for the go-ahead run.
The Wildcats held the 5-4 lead until the bottom of the fourth when the Lobos' Dani Castro hit a two-run homer to make it 6-5.
New Mexico hit a grand slam during its fifth-inning surge.
Minninch was the only Weber State player to record multiple hits, finishing 2-of-3, while senior center fielder Erika Dixon had her 11th stolen base of the season.
Weber State (9-14) remains in Boise on Saturday, with the Wildcats set to take on University of Texas-San Antonio at 2 p.m., followed by host Boise State at 4 p.m. On Sunday, WSU will face the Lobos at 12 p.m. and the Broncos against at 2 p.m.
