Loving blanks Lordsburg, advances to second round of A-AA state softball playoffs

For the second year in a row, the Loving High School softball team shut out Lordsburg in a huge way to advance to the next round of the A-AA state playoffs.

Wednesday afternoon in Rio Rancho, the Falcons bats pounded the Mavericks 16-0 as the defending state champions prepare for the second round Thursday morning.

Last season, Loving shutout Lordsburg 22-0 en route to a repeat championship in the state tournament.

Loving was 22-5 heading into Wednesday’s game as the Falcons won District 2-4A with a perfect 12-0 record.

Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Mavericks, Loving’s bats were screaming against the competition this season with a team batting average of .444.

The Falcons had a slugging percentage of .778 and an on-base percentage of .563.

Eighth-grader Braylee Hunt led the team with a .603 batting average heading into Wednesday’s game.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com.