DENVER – MSU Denver softball opened its final home series of the season with a split against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls on Friday afternoon.
The Roadrunners move to 31-17 overall and 24-14 in RMAC play after an eventful doubleheader that featured late-inning drama in both games.
Game One: MSU Denver 11, New Mexico Highlands 8
After falling behind early, the Roadrunners answered in the first inning when Trinity Kennemer delivered an RBI double to tie the game at 1-1. The offense erupted in the second inning, highlighted by Victoria Pearson, who cleared the bases with a three-RBI triple to give MSU Denver a 5-4 lead—a major early turning point.
MSU Denver continued to apply pressure as Brooklyn Enny added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 6-4. However, New Mexico Highlands responded and eventually took an 8-6 lead, setting the stage for a pivotal fifth inning.
That's when Kennemer came through again, launching a two-run home run to tie the game at 8-8 and completely swing momentum back to the Roadrunners. Moments later, Janessa Esquibel ripped an RBI double to give MSU Denver a 9-8 lead, followed by a sacrifice fly from Mackenzie Pearson to make it 10-8.
Enny added insurance in the sixth with an RBI double, sealing the 11-8 victory.
Kennemer led the offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and the game-tying home run. Pearson added three RBIs of her own, while
Enny (2-for-3, two runs, two RBIs) and Esquibel (2-for-3, two runs, RBI) played key roles.
In the circle, Brooklyn Levin earned the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing two runs while stabilizing the game late.
Game Two: New Mexico Highlands 7, MSU Denver 6
Game two saw another back-and-forth contest, but this time it was New Mexico Highlands that came out on top in a one-run decision.
MSU Denver struck early in the first inning, taking advantage of patience and pressure. Kennemer drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-1, and Natalie Shellhorn followed with an infield RBI single to tie the game. The Roadrunners then capitalized on defensive miscues, scoring two runs on errors to grab a 4-2 lead.
The offense kept rolling when Lexi Gephart delivered an RBI single to extend the lead to 5-2, marking a key moment that gave MSU Denver early control.
However, New Mexico Highlands chipped away and eventually overtook the lead, setting up a tense finish. In the sixth inning, Neila Fee provided a spark with a pinch-hit home run to cut the deficit to 7-6, but the Roadrunners were unable to complete the comeback.
Enny paced the offense in game two, going 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Shellhorn added two hits and an RBI.
In relief, Kianna Butler was strong, tossing 3.1 innings and allowing just one run on five hits while keeping MSU Denver within striking distance.
The loss was charged to Sam Mader after New Mexico Highlands capitalized on key scoring opportunities in the middle innings.
MSU Denver will look to build on the offensive momentum as the Roadrunners continue the series on Saturday, closing out their final home weekend of the 2026 season.
