ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Adams State University softball team opened up its 2018 season facing two nationally ranked teams in three games in the Colorado Mesa Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico this weekend. The Grizzlies ended up winning just one of their five games, struggling to hit against the premier schools in the tournament.
 
The lone win came against Western New Mexico in a 14-7 victory over the Mustangs. A hot second inning was the major difference maker, as the Grizzlies put up six scores. Stephanie Huff and Kaytlynn Johnson led the charge, with Huff leading the team with three hits and Johnson leading the team with three runs scored. Each had a pair of RBIs, second only to Tyler Hays' three on two hits.
 
Hays had herself a game as well, hitting a homerun and a double in the high scoring affair.
 
The team had just a single strike out in the victory. On the other side of the pitching battle, Whitney Fields picked up her first win, allowing seven runs on seven hits while striking out six. Kacee Schroeder picked up her first save of the season, allowing four hits in three innings and no runs.
 
The rest of the tournament saw Adams opening and closing against the No.2-ranked team in the nation Angelo State. Both games ended in five innings, with a combined score of 3-27. The middle two games were no more favorable, as Texas A&M Commerce and No.22-ranked St. Mary's University won by the same score of 0-13. The Grizzlies were a combined 3-53 against the three Texas schools.
 
Despite the lopsided scoring, Hays performed well hitting a pair of home runs and driving in four RBIs in 11 at bats for Adams. Huff and Johnson led the team in the tournament, earning four hits each in 10 and 12 at bats, respectfully.
 
Adams looks to recover quickly as the team travels to Angelo, Texas to take on Florida Tech, Texas A&M International and Angelo State in the final tournament of the season.