ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - San Jose State softball gave New Mexico all they could handle but was unable to complete the comeback as they dropped Saturday's series finale to the Lobos by a final of 5-4 on Sunday.
Junior infielder Alyssa Graham had another big day at the plate for the Spartans, tallying three RBI in a 2-for-3 performance that included a run scored. The Colton, Calif., native finished the weekend with a team-best six RBI on four hits and gave SJSU their first lead of the game on Sunday with a 2-run homer in the top of the second.
The Spartans' 2-1 lead was erased in the third as New Mexico scored three runs in the frame to take a 4-2 advantage. San Jose State had an answer in the fourth as Graham secured her third RBI of the game on a single, but the Lobos responded in the home half of the frame on a double steal attempt for what would prove to be the game-sealing score. Freshman Ashley Rico cut the deficit back to one in the fourth on a RBI double and the Spartans had a chance in the seventh by putting the tying run at second, but was unable to bring the run across and complete the comeback.
The Spartans dropped to 5-10 in league play and are 9-20 overall following the loss.
Caroline Bowman (3-11) got the starting nod in the circle and worked all 6.0 innings for the Spartans, allowing five runs on 10 hits. Rayohna Sagapolu secured a pair of hits to finish the series with a .500 batting clip (5-for-10) with two RBI, a home run, and two runs scored.
New Mexico starting pitcher Kiana Spencer (2-7) picked up the win for the Lobos after working all 7.0 innings. Four Lobos finished with two hits each as part of their 10-hit outing with Andrea Howard leading the way with a 2-for-2 day that included a 2-run homer in the third.
The Spartans have one final weekend of work ahead of them before putting a bow on the 2021 season. SJSU will welcome Colorado State to the Spartan Softball Complex on Friday and Saturday with senior day festivities to be held prior to Saturday's contest. Due to the reduced capacity of the Spartan Softball Complex, spectator seating for the series will be limited to San Jose State softball student-athlete complimentary admissions. No tickets will be sold.
