Lady Timberwolves Snap 42-Game Skid in Extra-Inning Thriller at Ruidoso

RUIDOSO — For the first time in 720 days, the East Mountain Lady Timberwolves are in the win column.

In a marathon performance defined by endurance and offensive resilience, East Mountain (1-18, 1-7 District 4/5) snapped a 42-game losing streak Tuesday with a 21-19 extra-inning victory over the Ruidoso Warriors (7-15, 2-5). The win marks the program’s first taste of success since an 11-10 victory over St. Michael’s on May 1, 2024.

Garcia’s Iron Woman Performance

The story of the game lived in the circle, where senior Sarah Garcia delivered a legendary high school performance. Garcia “went the distance,” pitching all eight innings and throwing a staggering 193 pitches to secure the victory.

Despite facing 54 batters and navigating 22 walks, Garcia remained the anchor for the Lady Timberwolves. She allowed 12 earned runs on nine hits, but her ability to induce fly outs and ground balls in high-leverage situations allowed East Mountain to stay within striking distance after falling behind 7-0 in the first inning.

Erasing the Deficit

Ruidoso appeared ready to end the game early after a dominant first frame, but the Lady Timberwolves chipped away at the lead with a high-patience approach at the plate. While East Mountain recorded only seven hits as a team, they utilized discipline and aggressive baserunning to manufacture 21 runs.

Natasha Hill and Chaeli Lehocky provided the veteran leadership the lineup needed. Hill finished 2-for-2 with a triple, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs scored, reaching base in every plate appearance. Lehocky was equally vital, going 2-for-3 with 4 RBIs and scoring 3 times.

Lady Timberwolves Offensive Leaders:

• Natasha Hill (Jr): 2-for-2, 3B, 4 RBIs, 3 R.
• Chaeli Lehocky (Sr): 2-for-3, 4 RBIs, 3 R.
• Sarah Garcia (Sr): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 4 R.
• Violet Meiser (Jr): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 3 R.
• Kateari Weber (So): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 2 R.

Extra-Inning Heroics

The game headed into the eighth inning tied at 16-16. In the top of the frame, the Lady Timberwolves exploded for five runs, fueled by timely contact and Ruidoso miscues. Isla Campbell, Arianna Markham-Hinders, Cadynce Atkinson, and Tess Schumacher all contributed to the rally, with each recording an RBI despite a difficult day for hits.

Ruidoso attempted a final comeback in the bottom of the eighth, plating three runs, but Garcia’s 193rd pitch of the afternoon resulted in the final out, sparking a long-awaited celebration on the Warriors’ home turf.

The roster that secured the historic victory included Abigail Widerkehr, Landyn Dingman, Isla Campbell, Natasha Hill, Kateari Weber, Arianna Markham-Hinders, Chaeli Lehocky, Cadynce Atkinson, Elena Hansen, Violet Meiser, Kimber Dickerson, Sarah Garcia, and Tess Schumacher.

Final Score (8 Innings):

• East Mountain: 21 (7 Hits, 4 Errors)
• Ruidoso: 19 (9 Hits, 2 Errors)