LAS CRUCES, N.M. - NM State set the tone for the weekend on Friday night with a strong series‑opening performance at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies jumped on the Hilltoppers early, plating six runs in the first inning and never looking back. A shutdown effort in the circle and steady offense across the order powered NM State to an 8–0 win. 

Game – NM State 8, Western Kentucky 0 (5 inn.) 

The Aggies wasted no time, as Devin Elam led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run before Skye Johnson added an RBI double and Jade Valladares capped the inning with a three‑run homer to make it 6–0. NM State tacked on another run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Skye Johnson and added its final run in the fifth on an RBI single from Devin Elam. In the circle, Faith Aragon was in complete control, limiting Western Kentucky to just one hit over five scoreless innings. 

NOTABLES 

• Faith Aragon tossed a complete‑game shutout, allowing one hit while striking out eight. 

• Devin Elam went 3‑for‑4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. 

• Skye Johnson finished with two hits, an RBI double, and a sacrifice fly. 

• Jade Valladares delivered the big swing of the night with a three‑run home run in the first inning. 

• Tamara Carranza recorded a multi‑hit game and scored a run from the middle of the order. 

NEXT UP 

NM State continues its Conference USA series against Western Kentucky on Saturday, March 28 at 4 p.m. at the NM State Softball Complex. The Aggies will look to build off Friday's fast start and secure another home win as the weekend set continues. 

For complete coverage of NM State Softball during the 2026 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Softball), Twitter (@NMStateSoftball) and Instagram (@NMStateSoftball).