PICTURED: Jenna Whitmire launches a walk-off grand slam over the fence in left-center to seal Artesia's five-inning, 14-4 district-opening win over Goddard Tuesday, April 14, at The Mack.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

MOST RECENT SPORTS WRAPS
• Baseball, softball beat Carlsbad every chance they got; tennis teams 3-0 with one district dual remaining; Bulldog golfers pick up two more tourney wins; track teams third at George Love Relays
• Bulldog golf, track tops in tourneys; tennis teams remain undefeated in district duals; Lady 'Dog softball dominates Roswell on Senior Night; baseball splits double dip with Hobbs
• Tennis earns big district sweep; track teams runners-up at home invite; Bulldog golfers get the W in varsity opener; baseball finishes sixth at Sal Puentes
• Runnin' 'Dogs finish as 4A state runners-up; baseball, softball solid in first tournaments; cheer places fourth in state; tennis tops in Santa Fe

BULLDOG BASEBALL

PICTURED: Jack Byers fires to the plate against Portales Thursday, April 16, at Brainard Park.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

The Bulldog baseball team couldn't have gotten the second season off to a much more efficient start. Beginning its three-game series against Class 4A 15th-ranked Portales Thursday, April 16, with a 22-0 win at Brainard Park and continuing with a 14-1 and 13-1 double-header sweep Friday, April 17, in Portales, Artesia limited the inning count to 14-and-a-half, racking up 49 runs on 41 hits and holding the Rams to just two on nine. It was all around the sort of dominant start the defending state champs and current second-ranked team in 4A was looking for, and it pushed the 'Dogs to 13-7 overall, 3-0 in District 4-AAAA. That puts them in a tie for first with Goddard, which had similar results last week against Lovington: 15-1, 25-4 and 12-0.

The Diamond 'Dogs took Thursday's opener amidst a five-inning no-hitter by senior Jack Byers, who walked just one and struck out 10 on the mound. Artesia, meanwhile, announced its presence with authority, batting around in the bottom of the first to plate seven runs on RBI singles by Byers and Jett Fuentes, a two-RBI double from Elijah Carrasco, a two-RBI double by Daelon Pacheco, and an RBI triple from Charlie Campbell. The boys in orange would send four more home in the second on a Pacheco sacrifice fly, an RBI triple to right by Carrasco, and a two-run bomb over the Green Monster in center by Diego Morales. They'd then make it 13-0 in the third on a two-RBI double to the left-field fence by catcher Brant Usherwood and would bat around again in the fourth to round out their 22-run performance with a two-out rally that included two-RBI doubles by Pacheco and Morales, a two-RBI single to left by Jett Whitmire, an RBI base hit from Derrick Warren, an error, and an RBI hit-by-pitch by Byers.

The 'Dogs were led at the plate by Usherwood, 4-4 with a double and two RBI; Pacheco, 3-4 with two doubles and five RBI; Morales, 3-4 with a double, a homer, and four RBI; Byers, 3-4 with a triple and two RBI; Carrasco, 2-3 with a triple and three RBI; and Campbell, 2-3 with a triple and one run batted in.

PICTURED: Diego Morales looks a fly ball into his glove in right field during Thursday's game.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

After a scoreless first in windy Portales in Friday's opener, the Bulldogs needed just one at-bat to break the game open yet again, running through the lineup plus three in the top of the second to take a 7-0 lead. A dropped third strike and subsequent throwing error that would've been Out No. 2 kept that inning moving, as Usherwood went on to score on an RBI single to right-center by Carrasco, who came home in turn on a ground-ball base hit to left by Campbell. Campbell joined Fuentes in rounding the bases on a long line drive over the fence in left by the latter to make it 4-0. Warren doubled to the center-field fence and crossed on a consecutive double off the top of the left-field fence by Byers, who scored on a single to right by Whitmire. Pacheco -- aboard with an error -- then became the seventh run on a base knock to right by Usherwood.

Also the starting pitcher, Pacheco struck out the side in the bottom of the first, and while the Rams were able to put runners in scoring position in their second and third trips to the plate on an Angel Gutierrez two-out double and a leadoff double from Luis Nunez, two more Ks, a trio of fly balls, and a 2-6-5-6 pick-off between Usherwood, Fuentes and Byers ended both threats.

The boys in orange then put the run rule on the table in the top of three when Morales and Campbell -- on with a walk and a single to left, respectively -- scored on an error and a Warren sac-fly, and Byers -- aboard with another double off the fence in left -- plated Fuentes. Portales was able to get on the board with a single swing in the fourth on a leadoff homer to right-center by Carson Pfaffenberger, but a 6-4-3 double play between Fuentes, Carrasco and Morales would end that at-bat. The 'Dogs proceeded to reinstate the run-rule margin in the top of the fifth, 14-1, on a Pacheco RBI infield single off the leg of relief pitcher Aaron Valdez and a bases-clearing double by Usherwood, who was thrown out attempting to stretch it to a triple. Carrasco, on in relief of Pacheco, then closed out the five-inning win with a strikeout and a pair of ground balls.

Pacheco got the win on the hill with five hits, one earned run, and five strikeouts, while at the plate, Warren was 3-3 with a double and one RBI; Usherwood 2-3 with a double and four runs batted in; Byers 2-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBI; Pacheco 2-3 with one RBI; and Campbell 2-2 with an RBI.

PICTURED: First-baseman Daelon Pacheco tags a Portales runner out at first on a pick-off throw by Jack Byers Thursday at Brainard Park.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

The 'Dogs got off to a bit slower start offensively in Game Two of Friday's double dip against Ram senior ace Pfaffenberger but were still able to build a 3-0 lead through one-and-a-half on a double-steal-turned-error, a Fuentes RBI fielder's choice, and an RBI single to shower right by Warren. Portales would make it 3-1 in the bottom of the second, however, when Gutierrez -- on with a one-out base hit -- took second on a wild pitch and scored on a single to right-center by Nunez. Starter Morales ultimately struck out the side in that at-bat, however, and the Bulldogs were able to bump their advantage to 5-1 in the fourth on a Byers RBI double to the right-field fence and an RBI base hit up the middle from Whitmire. And after Morales struck out the side yet again in the home half, Artesia batted around in the top of five to put the run rule in play, 13-1.

The Bulldogs would do the bulk of their eight-run damage via walks. Campbell, Fuentes, Byers, Pacheco, Whitmire, Usherwood and Carrasco -- aboard with good eyes -- would all score in the half-inning, Campbell on a passed ball, Byers on a throwing error during a pick-off attempt, and Fuentes and Pacheco on bases-loaded walks. Whitmire, Usherwood and Carrasco, meanwhile, came around on a bases-clearing triple down the right-field line by Morales, who became the 13th run on a passed ball. The senior then closed out the contest and the series with a pair of swinging strikeouts and a ground out back to the mound.

Morales allowed just three hits, one earned run, and one walk through his five innings of work, striking out 11. He was also 1-2 with a triple and three RBI at the plate, while Whitmire was 1-2 with two RBI, Byers 1-2 with a double and one RBI, and Warren 1-2 with one run batted in.

The Bulldogs (13-7, 3-0) are now gearing up for their second district series against Lovington at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in Wildcat Country and at 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Brainard Park. The 4A 17th-ranked 'Cats are currently 7-13 on the season, 0-3 in district following their 15-1, 25-4 and 12-0 losses to Goddard last week. Tickets for Thursday's game can be purchased here. Tickets for Friday's games can be purchased here.

PICTURED: Elijah Carrasco fields a chopper at third base Thursday against Portales.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

STAT BOX

Game One (Thursday, April 16, at Brainard Park)

Portales 0 0 0 0 0 - - 0
Artesia 7 4 2 9 - - - 22

Artesia (11-7, 1-0)
Batting: Jett Fuentes 2-4, 1-BB, 1-RBI; Derrick Warren 2-4, 1-BB, 1-RBI; Jack Byers 3-4 (1-3B), 1-HP, 2-RBI; Daelon Pacheco 3-4 (2-2B), 1-SAC, 5-RBI; Jett Whitmire 1-4, 2-RBI; Brant Usherwood 4-4 (1-2B), 2-RBI; Elijah Carrasco 2-3 (1-3B), 1-BB, 3-RBI; Diego Morales 3-4 (1-2B, 1-HR), 4-RBI; Charlie Campbell 2-3 (1-3B), 1-BB, 1-RBI
Pitching: Byers, sr.: 5-IP, 0-H, 0-R, 0-ER, 10-K, 1-BB
Team: 22-H, 1-E, 4-SB, 8-EBH, 21-RBI, 6-LOB

Portales (7-10, 0-1)
Batting: Jacoby Bamforth 0-2; Ethan Najera 0-1; Carson Pfaffenberger 0-2; Thomas Salgado 0-2; Adam Duran 0-2; Angel Gutierrez 0-2; Truitt Price 0-1; Elario Aranda 0-1; Noah Chavez 0-1; Klayt Hamilton 0-0, 1-BB
Pitching: Price, jr.: 3-IP, 16-H, 13-R, 13-ER, 0-K, 0-BB; Immanuel Valdez, fr.: 1-IP, 6-H, 9-R, 0-ER, 0-K, 4-BB
Team: 0-H, 2-E, 0-SB, 0-EBH, 0-RBI, 0-LOB

Game Two (Friday, April 17, at Portales)

Artesia 0 7 3 0 4 - - 14
Portales 0 0 0 1 0 - - 1

Artesia (12-7, 2-0)
Batting: Jett Fuentes 1-4 (1-HR), 2-RBI; Derrick Warren 3-3 (1-2B), 1-SAC, 1-RBI; Jack Byers 2-3 (2-2B), 1-BB, 2-RBI; Daelon Pacheco 2-3, 1-BB, 1-RBI; Jett Whitmire 1-3, 1-HP, 1-RBI; Brant Usherwood 2-3 (1-2B), 1-BB, 4-RBI; Elijah Carrasco 1-3, 1-RBI; Diego Morales 0-2, 1-BB; Charlie Campbell 2-2, 1-HP, 1-RBI
Pitching: Pacheco, sr.: 4-IP, 5-H, 1-R, 1-ER, 5-K, 1-BB; Carrasco, jr.: 1-IP, 1-H, 0-R, 0-ER, 1-K, 0-BB
Team: 14-H, 0-E, 1-SB, 5-EBH, 13-RBI, 4-LOB

Portales (7-11, 0-2)
Batting: Jacoby Bamforth 2-3; Ethan Najera 0-3; Carson Pfaffenberger 1-2 (1-HR), 1-RBI; Thomas Salgado 0-2; Adam Duran 0-1, 1-BB; Angel Gutierrez 2-2 (1-2B); Truitt Price 0-2; Luis Nunez 1-2 (1-2B); Elario Aranda 0-2
Pitching: Salgado, jr.: 4-IP, 11-H, 10-R, 2-ER, 3-K, 3-BB; Aaron Valdez, fr.: 1-IP, 3-H, 4-R, 4-ER, 0-K, 1-BB
Team: 6-H, 3-E, 0-SB, 3-EBH, 1-RBI, 4-LOB

Game Three (Friday, April 17, at Portales)

Artesia 1 2 0 2 8 - - 13
Portales 0 1 0 0 0 - - 1

Artesia (13-7, 3-0)
Batting: Jett Fuentes 0-3, 1-BB, 1-RBI; Derrick Warren 1-2, 2-BB, 1-RBI; Jack Byers 1-2 (1-2B), 2-BB, 1-RBI; Daelon Pacheco 0-1, 3-BB; Jett Whitmire 1-2, 2-BB, 2-RBI; Brant Usherwood 0-0, 3-BB, 1-HP; Elijah Carrasco 0-3, 1-BB, 1-RBI; Diego Morales 1-2 (1-3B), 2-BB, 3-RBI; Charlie Campbell 1-3, 1-BB
Pitching: Morales, sr.: 5-IP, 3-H, 1-R, 1-ER, 11-K, 1-BB
Team: 5-H, 0-E, 8-SB, 2-EBH, 9-RBI, 8-LOB

Portales (7-12, 0-3)
Batting: Jacoby Bamforth 0-2, 1-BB; Thomas Salgado 0-2; Carson Pfaffenberger 1-2; Adam Duran 0-2; Angel Gutierrez 1-2; Luis Nunez 1-2, 1-RBI; Truitt Price 0-2; Ethan Najera 0-1; Elario Aranda 0-2
Pitching: Pfaffenberger, sr.: 4 1/3-IP, 4-H, 6-R, 3-ER, 6-K, 11-BB; Klayt Hamilton, sr.: 1/3-IP, 1-H, 7-R, 7-ER, 1-K, 6-BB; Noah Chavez, so.: 1/3-IP, 0-H, 0-R, 0-ER, 1-K, 0-BB
Team: 3-H, 3-E, 0-SB, 0-EBH, 1-RBI, 3-LOB

LADY BULLDOG SOFTBALL

District Opener vs. Goddard

PICTURED: The Lady Bulldogs surround senior shortstop Jenna Whitmire at home plate following Whitmire's game-winning grand slam Tuesday at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

Everything that's special about Lady Bulldog softball was on display Tuesday, April 14, during Artesia's District 4-AAAA opener at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex.

The stands were packed with fans eager to cheer the Artesia girls on to victory as they kicked off their second season against Goddard. Also filling the ballpark were youth players from the Artesia Girls' Softball Association, who kept the energy level high as they backed their high-school heroines. In the new center-field bleachers were members of one of AHS softball's legacy families, the Sims, who welcomed relatives and friends to a pre-game ceremony dedicating the bleachers to the memory of longtime Artesia softball supporter Gary Sims. JS Ward & Son Inc., the Sims' family business, handed out hot dogs and Cracker Jack to fans, and Prestige Equipment Rentals provided hot dogs for the AGSA teams. Former coaches and Lady Bulldogs from multiple generations could be spotted supporting the program they helped build.

Lady 'Dog softball is undoubtedly a sisterhood, and that fact could be felt by all in attendance Tuesday. And for the cherry on top, the 2026 girls took their backers on a brief roller-coaster ride before coming from behind -- twice -- to open the floodgates in the fifth, delivering three home runs in one at-bat, the last of them a walk-off grand slam that sealed the 14-4, five-inning run-rule win over the Lady Rockets.

The Lady Bulldogs had gotten off to a dominant start defensively in the contest, with sophomore starter Katrin Marquez seating Goddard's first two batters via strikeout. But a pair of errors came back to haunt Artesia when five-hole hitter Jorelianis Guzman hit a home run to left to quickly make it 3-0 Rockets. The Lady 'Dogs' bats, meanwhile, took a while to charge up. Kayden Apodaca delivered a single to left with two away in the bottom of the first but was left stranded, as were two more runners in the second after Leslie Molina reached on a two-base error and Brooklyn Fuentes via a base on balls.

In the field, Artesia continued settling down over the course of the Lady Rockets' next three trips to the plate, as Marquez came through with a K following a two-out error in the second and forced a trio of fly outs to Jade Hammond at second, Danyela Munoz in center, and Fuentes in left around an error, a passed ball, and a walk in the third. That gave the Lady 'Dogs time to finally put together the hits they needed in the bottom of three, where Munoz led off with an infield single to put one on for Marquez, who aided her own cause with a two-run homer over the fence in right-center to bring Artesia within one, 3-2.

Another fly ball to Hammond and consecutive strikeouts took care of Goddard in the top of the fourth, and the Lady Bulldogs set off the crowd with a two-out rally to secure the tying run on a Fuentes base hit and an Isabel Cruz RBI double to the right-center-field fence.

PICTURED: At top, Isabel Cruz comes through with a two-out RBI double in the bottom of the fourth. Above, Brooklyn Fuentes slides home on Cruz's hit to make it 3-3.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

The Lady Rockets weren't about to go down without a fight, staging a rally of their own in the top of the fifth when -- following a fly out to center and a K -- shortstop Marisol Hernandez sent a single to left and scored from first on a two-base error to put Goddard back up 4-3. With three at-bats remaining, however, there were no signs of panic in the Lady 'Dogs. And as it turned out, they'd only need the one.

The girls in orange batted around and racked up 11 runs on eight hits in the bottom of five, leaving the Rockets -- not to mention fans who'd just returned from the concession stand with their cheese fries -- shell shocked as they ended the game early via the 10-run rule. And it all started with a single swing, as Marquez parked one for the second time on the night to lead off the barrage. An Apodaca walk was followed by another homer that returned the lead to the home team, 6-4. Catcher and clean-up batter A'dyn Levario dropped that bomb -- right into the newly minted Gary Sims Bleachers, where it was caught by athletic director Jeremy Maupin. From there, the hit parade was on.

PICTURED: At top, Katrin Marquez leads off the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run. Above, A'dyn Levario sends a two-run homer over the fence in center.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

Consecutive singles to left field by Jenna Whitmire, Hammond and Molina loaded the bases, and Fuentes sent Whitmire and Hammond across the plate with a double to right. Molina came home on an RBI ground out by cruise to make it 9-4, and Fuentes scampered home on a throwing error. A walk by Marquez, single by Apodaca, and Levario fielder's choice then re-juiced the bags for Whitmire, who provided a fitting and exciting finale to the contest with a walk-off grand slam to left-center.

Marquez closed out her five innings in the circle with just two hits, no earned runs, and one walk allowed while striking out eight. At the plate, Marquez and Apodaca were both 2-3, the former with two home runs and three RBI. Fuentes was 2-2 with a double and two runs batted in, and Levario and Whitmire both went 2-4 with a double and two RBI and a slam and four RBI, respectively. Junior Juliet Gallegos took the loss for the Lady Rockets with 14 hits and 10 earned runs allowed through four-and-two-thirds.

It was a perfect end to a rather perfect evening at The Mack and a statement of a start to district play for the girls in orange. With the win, the Lady Bulldogs moved to 14-4 on the season, 1-0 in D4, while Goddard dropped to 9-9, 0-1.

PICTURED: The Sims Family and many of their longtime friends pose for a photo Tuesday in the Gary Sims Bleachers at the AHS varsity softball field.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

STAT BOX

Goddard 3 0 0 0 1 - - 4
Artesia 0 0 2 1 11 - - 14

Artesia (14-4, 1-0)
Batting: Danyela Munoz 1-4; Katrin Marquez 2-3 (2-HR), 1-BB, 3-RBI; Kayden Apodaca 2-3, 1-BB; A'dyn Levario 2-4 (1-2B, 1-HR), 2-RBI; Jenna Whitmire 2-4 (1-HR), 4-RBI; Jade Hammond 1-3; Leslie Molina 1-3; Brooklyn Fuentes 2-2 (1-2B), 1-BB, 2-RBI; Isabel Cruz 1-3 (1-2B), 2-RBI
Pitching: Marquez, so.: 5-IP, 2-H, 4-R, 0-ER, 8-K, 1-BB
Team: 14-H, 5-E, 0-SB, 7-EBH, 13-RBI, 4-LOB

Goddard (9-9, 0-1)
Batting: Lindsay Campa 0-3; Quiana Gonzales 0-3; Marisol Hernandez 1-3; Roxanna Serrano 0-3; Jorelianis Guzman 1-2 (1-HR), 1-BB, 3-RBI; Marisa Crawford 0-2; Juliet Gallegos 0-2; Amiah Herrera 0-2; Jayla Morales 0-2
Pitching: Gallegos, jr.: 4 2/3-IP, 14-H, 14-R, 10-ER, 2-K, 3-BB
Team: 2-H, 2-E, 0-SB, 1-EBH, 3-RBI, 4-LOB

D4 Double Header vs. Lovington

PICTURED: Kayden Apodaca connects with an RBI double to the right-field fence during the breakout bottom of the fourth of Artesia's opener Friday, April 17, against Lovington at The Mack.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

Over the course of the past four seasons, the once-obsolete rivalry between Artesia softball and Lovington has returned with a vengeance. It started in 2022 when, after going 3-1 against the Lady Wildcats in District 4-AAAA play, the Artesia girls were eliminated by the girls in blue in the Consolation Bracket play-in game to the state championship, 17-15. In 2023, the Lady Bulldogs just missed another Consolation meeting with the 'Cats when both were eliminated in succession by eventual state runner-up Gallup.

But the past two seasons in particular have added an extra dash of bitterness to the 'Dogs vs. 'Cats Grudge Match. In 2024, the Lady Bulldogs came up short of Lovington in D4 play, 1-2, and -- to add insult to injury -- were also eliminated from the 4A State Tournament by Lovington in Round Two of Consolation Bracket play, 10-9 in extra innings. And last year, the girls in orange both won the district and handed the Wildcats their first state loss, 7-2, in the winners' bracket quarterfinals before being shocked again by Lovington in the Consolation play-in, 11-10.

Needless to say, tensions and emotions were equally high Friday, April 17, at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex. And while the roller-coaster rivalry didn't disappoint, it was the 4A top-ranked Artesia girls who triumphed in the end, sweeping the No. 7 Lady 'Cats in the double-header portion of their district series, 15-5 in six innings and 12-11 in seven.

Following a scoreless first in Game One, it was Lovington who drew first blood in the top of the second when Zoey Ellis -- on with a one-out walk -- advanced when Baylee Garcia reached on an error and took two more bases on a second error on the throw. As the Lady 'Dog batters struggled to find their rhythm against the Wildcats' eighth-grader starter Jezarae Quiroga, the girls in blue kept on inching away, adding a second run in the third on back-to-back two-out singles by Zemarie Ellis and Bethany Tavera and another costly throwing error, then going up 4-0 in the top of the fourth on another two-out rally that saw Quiroga and Andrea Hernandez -- on with consecutive base hits -- score on RBI base knocks from Leslie Corral and Delilah Ruiz.

As they've proven on multiple occasions this season, however, the Lady Bulldog sluggers often need just one good inning to turn an entire ballgame around. And such was the case in Game One Friday.

Artesia batted around not once but twice in the bottom of the fourth, hanging a whopping 14 runs on the Lady Wildcats via nine hits and a pair of errors. While the Lady 'Dogs would've taken the lead regardless on a two-out rally, those two errors -- which came early in the at-bat -- extended the inning and resulted in five unearned runs. The second alone saw two runs home, but Artesia did the damage with its sticks from there. Isabel Cruz plated two more with a line-drive double over the shortstop and to the fence in left-center, and she'd make it 5-4 one batter later on a double to the center-field fence by Jocelynn Stroud. Stroud came home on a base hit to center by Jade Hammond, and Danyela Munoz -- on with a walk -- scored on a double to right by pitcher Kayden Apodaca.

On top 7-4 at that point, the timely hits kept coming for Artesia. Hammond and Apodaca crossed on an RBI single by A'dyn Levario and a wild pitch, respectively, and Levario and Jenna Whitmire -- aboard with a walk -- both dashed home on a lofted line drive to center by Leslie Molina. Molina, who advanced to second on the throw home, was caught stealing at third, but the girls in orange would plate three more after that on a two-RBI double between the shortstop and second base by Munoz and a final wild pitch.

Shocked to find their 4-0 lead converted into a 14-4 run-rule situation in the span of a half-inning, Lovington was able to briefly stave off the early ending in the top of five when Tavera -- on with a leadoff infield single -- scored on a pair of passed balls and a base hit to right-center by Garcia. But while a double play prevented the Lady Bulldogs from closing things out in the home half, they'd follow a three-up, three-down at-bat by Apodaca and her defense with a walk-off win in the bottom of six after Stroud -- aboard with a one-out triple to right -- was driven in by a liner to left from Munoz.

Apodaca finished with eight hits, three earned runs, and one walk allowed through her six in the circle, striking out nine. At the plate, Artesia was led by Munoz and Stroud, who both went 2-3 with a double, the former with three RBI and the latter with one RBI and a triple; and Cruz, 2-4 with a double and two runs batted in.

PICTURED: At top, freshman Arianny Avitia sends a two-out, three-run homer over the fence in dead center in the bottom of the first in Game Two Friday against Lovington at The Mack. Above, Brooklyn Fuentes crosses home plate on Avitia's bomb.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

The Artesia girls would stage their big inning early in Friday's nightcap, but the Lady Wildcats would come storming back late to turn a runaway into a one-run thriller.

After a quick top of the first that began with an acrobatic play from shortstop Fuentes -- who sprinted to the left-field line after a pop-up, which subsequently popped out of her glove but was re-caught on the fly -- the Lady Bulldogs batted around in a seven-inning home half. Back-to-back one-out singles by Apodaca and Fuentes helped facilitate the game's first run when the 'Cats flubbed the cut-off throw from the outfield on Fuentes' hit to left-center. Two more runs crossed on a three-base error that saw Lovington second-baseman Ruiz drop a pop-up that subsequently rolled to the fence, and Artesia went up 4-0 on a base hit up the middle by Cruz. Cruz was thrown out on a fielder's choice by Molina, but both she and Stroud -- who reached on a walk -- would join in the party at the plate when freshman Arianny Avitia in her first varsity start lined a three-run homer over the fence in dead center to make it 7-0.

Lovington picked up their first run of the contest in the top of two when Garcia, who singled with two away, was ruled safe at the plate following an error despite appearing to have been tagged out by Whitmire. Artesia responded with another run of their own in the bottom half, however, on a passed ball that scored Fuentes, on with a base hit to left-center, and would bump their lead to 10-1 in the home half of the third on a two-base error in left. But the Lady Wildcats would make things more exciting in the top of the fourth, pulling back within three with six unearned runs on a bases-loaded walk by Quiroga, a two-base error, and a two-RBI-single turned one-run-error by Zemarie Ellis.

The Lady 'Dogs tacked on an insurance run in the fifth, 11-7, when Avitia -- aboard with a leadoff walked -- scored on a two-out liner up the middle from Apodaca, but the Lady 'Cats were able to knot the game on one swing in the top of six when Andrea Hernandez, Ruiz and Corral -- on with a pair of singles and an error, respectively -- loaded the bases for Zemarie Ellis, who took the first pitch she saw over the fence in center for a grand slam. The Artesia girls wasted no time responding, however, kicking off the bottom of the inning with a double to the fence in right-center by Whitmire, who took second on a ground out and scored on an Avitia sac-fly to center-fielder Ellis to make it 12-11.

That left it up to junior pitcher Munoz -- who'd come on in relief of Apodaca in her second start in the mid-top of the fourth -- and her defense to end things in regulation, and despite a leadoff walk, they'd get the job done on a foul-territory fly out to Stroud in right, a low liner to Hammond at second, and a high, deep fly ball to Cruz in left.

Apodaca allowed just one hit in her three-and-one-third innings, giving up six runs, none of which were earned, and four walks. Munoz finished with five hits and three earned runs through her three-and-two-thirds. The Lady 'Dogs were led at the plate by Avitia, 1-1 with the homer, two walks, a sac-fly, and four runs batted in; and Apodaca and Fuentes, who both went 2-4, the former with an RBI.

The Artesia girls will now spend the next week on the road, beginning with their first meeting with 18th-ranked Portales in a single game at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Portales. They'll then head to Roswell Friday, April 24, to complete their series against No. 8 Goddard with a 5 and 7 p.m. double header. Portales is currently 7-12 on the season, 0-3 in district following losses to Lovington (6-2) and Goddard (10-0 and 19-2). The Lady Rockets are 11-9, 2-1 with the loss to Artesia and wins over the Ramettes. Tickets to Tuesday's game can be purchased here. Tickets to Friday's games can be purchased here.

PICTURED: BYU-bound senior Kayden Apodaca poses in the circle in between games Friday at The Mack after being recognized for two major achievements: 50 home runs and 400 strikeouts.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

STAT BOX

Game One

Lovington 0 1 1 2 1 0 - 5
Artesia 0 0 0 14 0 1 - 15

Artesia (15-4, 2-0)
Batting: Danyela Munoz 2-3 (1-2B), 2-BB, 3-RBI; Jade Hammond 1-4, 1-RBI; Kayden Apodaca 1-2 (1-2B), 2-BB, 1-RBI; A'dyn Levario 1-4, 1-RBI; Jenna Whitmire 1-3, 1-BB; Leslie Molina 1-4, 2-RBI; Brooklyn Fuentes 0-1, 3-BB; Isabel Cruz 2-4 (1-2B), 2-RBI; Jocelynn Stroud 2-3 (1-2B, 1-3B), 1-BB, 1-RBI
Pitching: Apodaca, sr.: 6-IP, 8-H, 5-R, 3-ER, 9-K, 1-BB
Team: 11-H, 3-E, 2-SB, 5-EBH, 11-RBI, 5-LOB

Lovington (10-9, 1-1)
Batting: Leslie Corral 1-4, 1-RBI; Delilah Ruiz 1-4 (1-2B), 1-RBI; Zemarie Ellis 1-2, 1-HP; Bethany Tavera 2-3; Johanna Ochoa 0-3; Zoey Ellis 0-2, 1-BB; Baylee Garcia 1-3, 1-RBI; Jezarae Quiroga 1-2; Andrea Hernandez 1-3; Braelyn Hernandez 0-1
Pitching: Quiroga, 8th: 3-IP, 5-H, 9-R, 7-ER, 3-K, 5-BB; B. Hernandez, so.: 2 1/3-IP, 6-H, 6-R, 3-ER, 0-K, 4-BB
Team: 8-H, 4-E, 0-SB, 1-EBH, 3-RBI, 6-LOB

Game Two

Lovington 0 1 0 6 0 4 0 11
Artesia 7 1 2 0 1 1 - 12

Artesia (16-4, 3-0)
Batting: Danyela Munoz 1-3, 1-BB; Jade Hammond 1-4; Kayden Apodaca 2-4, 1-RBI; Brooklyn Fuentes 2-4; Jenna Whitmire 1-3 (1-2B), 1-HP; Isabel Cruz 1-4, 1-RBI; Leslie Molina 0-3; Jocelynn Stroud 0-2, 2-BB; Arianny Avitia 1-1 (1-HR), 2-BB, 1-SAC, 4-RBI; Michelle Loya 0-1, 1-BB
Pitching: Apodaca, sr.: 3 1/3-IP, 1-H, 6-R, 0-ER, 3-K, 4-BB; Munoz, jr.: 3 2/3-IP, 5-H, 5-R, 3-ER, 1-K, 2-BB
Team: 9-H, 7-E, 1-SB, 2-EBH, 6-RBI, 6-LOB

Lovington (10-10, 1-2)
Batting: Leslie Corral 0-5; Delilah Ruiz 1-4, 1-BB; Zemarie Ellis 2-3 (1-HR), 1-BB, 6-RBI; Bethany Tavera 1-4; Johanna Ochoa 0-4; Zoey Ellis 0-4; Baylee Garcia 1-3, 1-BB; Jezarae Quiroga 0-1, 3-BB, 1-RBI; Andrea Hernandez 1-4
Pitching: Quiroga, 8th: 6-IP, 9-H, 12-R, 4-ER, 5-K, 6-BB
Team: 6-H, 5-E, 0-SB, 1-EBH, 7-RBI, 6-LOB

AHS TRACK AND FIELD

Marilyn Sepulveda

PICTURED: Jett and Jenna Whitmire pose for a photo following their first- and second-place showings in the javelin at the Marilyn Sepulveda Meet of Champions Monday, April 13, in Albuquerque.
(Photo by Anna Whitmire)

The Artesia High School track and field teams sent a strong contingent to the Marilyn Sepulveda Meet of Champions on Monday, April 13. The annual invitation-only meet brings together the top athletes in each event -- based on the top eight marks and times of the season to that point -- who then compete against one another regardless of classification. The City of Champions was represented by 14 tracksters in nine different events and topped the podium in three of those: the boys' 110-meter hurdles, where Marcos Ornelas finished with a season-best state re-qualifying time of 14.82; the boys' javelin, where Jett Whitmire also turned in a season-best re-qualifying mark of 180'4"; and the boys' shot put, where Marco Soto threw a 51'10.5" to qualify for state for the sixth time this season.

Earning runner-up placements were Jenna Whitmire in the girls' javelin with a 130-foot, re-qualifying throw and Harper Murray in the girls' shot put with a re-qualifying throw of 36'10". Taking the bronze was Jayden Leyva in the boys' javelin with a re-qualifying throw of 171'8".

Also re-qualifying at the Sepulveda were Brant Usherwood in the boys' javelin (fourth, 166'5"); Derek Lopez in the boys' shot put (fifth, 47'4"); Ellie McGaughy, who matched her season-best mark in the girls' pole vault (fifth, 10'); Dylan Quiroz in the boys' long jump (fifth, 21'4") and boys' triple jump (seventh, 42'10.5"); Cael Houghtaling in the boys' triple jump (sixth, 43'5"); Ornelas in the boys' 200-meter dash (seventh, 22.63); and Gracen Kuykendall in the girls' javelin (seventh, 108'). Also competing were Brooklynne Ivans, who finished sixth in the girls' shot put with a mark of 32'11", and Houghtaling in the boys' javelin with an eighth-place throw of 148'5".

VIDEO: Above, Jett Whitmire launches his winning 180'4" throw in the boys' javelin. Click here to view an NMAA video that features Ornelas' win in the 110-meter hurdles.
(Video by Anna Whitmire)

Wildcat Relays

The Bulldog varsity brought a strong runner-up finish home from the competitive Wildcat Relays in Clovis on Friday, April 17, along with four new state qualifications, while the Lady Bulldogs came in a solid fifth.

The Bulldogs were bested only by Class 5A Rio Rancho at the meet, finishing ahead of Eldorado, Hobbs and Carlsbad in the top five. The Lady 'Dogs also shared the top five with 5A squads, including overall winner Rio Rancho, Eldorado, Clovis and Hobbs. The 'Dogs' new state qualifications included three in field events, where Cael Houghtaling placed third in the long jump with a mark of 21'3", Moises Corza came in fifth in that same event with a 21-foot jump, and Derek Lopez finished fourth in the discus with a throw of 132'4". Tootie McNeil added a new qualification on the track, placing second in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 40.16. Previously qualified in the 110 hurdles, McNeil topped the podium in that event with a season-best time of 14.90, the boys' 800-meter relay team of Josiah Carrillo, Ayden Kenyon, Corza and Marcos Ornelas finished first with a season-best 1:31.37, and Ellie McGaughy also delivered a season-best qualification at the meet, coming in third in the girls' pole vault with a 10'6".

Additionally re-qualifying for state in Clovis were Jayden Leyva with a first-place throw of 158'4" in the boys' javelin; Peyton Barela with a first-place 101'9.25" in the girls' discus; Harper Murray with a first-place 36'9.75" in the girls' shot put; Houghtaling with a second-place 43'6" in the boys' triple jump; Marco Soto with a runner-up throw of 52'3" in the boys' shot put; Dylan Quiroz with a third-place 42'6" in the boys' triple jump; Brooklynne Ivans with a third-place 34'7.75" in the girls' shot put; and Lopez in the boys' shot put with a fifth-place 47'8".

The girls' 800-meter relay team of Kaylee Berdoza, McGaughy, Gabriela Aguilar and Caiya Olivas came in second overall with a time of 1:50.26, 1.24 off the state standard, and Colt Moziejko was third in the boys' pole vault with an 11'6", six inches off the mark.

The AHS track teams will now take a week off before closing out their regular season at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Larry Baca Invitational in Los Alamos. They'll host the 2026 District 4-AAAA Meet at 3 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Bulldog Bowl and Morris Field. Tickets for the Larry Baca Invite can be purchased here. Tickets for the D4 Meet can be purchased here.

Wildcat Relays Boys' Team Placements
1. Rio Rancho - 98.8
2. ARTESIA - 66
3. Eldorado - 57.6
4. Hobbs - 48
5. Carlsbad - 34.3
6. Lovington - 31
7. Clovis - 29.8
8. Portales - 24.3
9. Roswell High - 22
10. Fort Sumner - 16
11. Del Norte - 8
T-12. NMMI - 7
T-12. Goddard - 7
14. Texico - 4

Wildcat Relays Boys' Results
• 100-Meter Dash
- Ayden Kenyon, 5th, 11.40
- Colt Moziejko, 9th, 11.54
- Josiah Carrillo, 22nd, 11.93
• 200M Dash
- Fabian Moya, 4th, 23.46
- Layton Whitmire, 7th, 23.63
- Alexander Hendricks, 19th, 25.06
• 400M Dash
- Fabian Moya, 6th, 53.88
- Wyatt Knudsen, 8th, 54.32
• 800M Run
- Xadrian Puentes, 18th, 2:16.51
• 110M Hurdles
- Tootie McNeil, 1st, 14.90 *
- Xavian Hernandez, 14th, 17.54
- Jared Rone, 15th, 17.70
• 300M Hurdles
- Tootie McNeil, 2nd, 40.16 *
- Xavian Hernandez, 7th, 43.97
- Jared Rone, 8th, 44.66
• 400M Relay
- Artesia "A" (Colt Moziejko, Ulises Montanez, Ayden Kenyon, Tootie McNeil), 5th, 44.22
• 800M Relay
- Artesia "A" (Josiah Carrillo, Ayden Kenyon, Moises Corza, Marcos Ornelas), 1st, 1:31.37 *
• 1,600M Medley Relay
- Artesia "A" (Moises Corza, Layton Whitmire, Aden Garcia, Aaron Allison), 7th, 4:17.05
• Long Jump
- Cael Houghtaling, 3rd, 21'3" *
- Moises Corza, 5th, 21' *
- Layton Whitmire, 9th, 20'2"
• Triple Jump
- Cael Houghtaling, 2nd, 43'6" *
- Dylan Quiroz, 3rd, 42'6" *
• Pole Vault
- Colt Moziejko, 3rd, 11'6"
• Discus
- Derek Lopez, 4th, 132'4" *
- Marco Soto, 13th, 115'2.5"
• Javelin
- Jayden Leyva, 1st, 158'4" *
• Shot Put
- Marco Soto, 2nd, 52'3" *
- Derek Lopez, 5th, 47'8" *

Wildcat Relays Girls' Team Placements
1. Rio Rancho - 117.5
2. Eldorado - 76
3. Clovis - 61.5
4. Hobbs - 59
5. ARTESIA - 35
6. Carlsbad - 26
T-7. Texico - 19
T-7. Roswell High - 19
9. Lovington - 9
10. Fort Sumner - 6
11. Goddard - 4
12. NMMI - 3
13. Portales - 2
14. Del Norte - 1

Wildcat Relays Girls' Results
• 100-Meter Dash
- Caiya Olivas, 8th, 13.41
- Molly Mathews, 22nd, 14.21
• 200M Dash
- Chloe Caley, 10th, 28.75
- Molly Mathews, 19th, 30.49
• 400M Dash
- Chloe Caley, 7th, 1:05.73
- Ashton Craft, 16th, 1:10.29
• 100M Hurdles
- Kaidence Hnulik, 10th, 18.65
- Adianez Renteria, 13th, 18.80
• 300M Hurdles
- Kaidence Hnulik, 11th, 54.08
- Allie Elkins, 13th, 54.60
- Adianez Renteria, 20th, 57.14
• 400M Relay
- Artesia "A" (Ellie McGaughy, Caiya Olivas, Molly Mathews, Gabriela Aguilar), 6th, 51.68
• 800M Relay
- Artesia "A" (Kaylee Berdoza, Ellie McGaughy, Gabriela Aguilar, Caiya Olivas), 2nd, 1:50.26
• 1,600M Medley Relay
- Artesia "A" (Gabriela Aguilar, Caiya Olivas, Marlyn Corza, J'Lee England), 5th, 4:53.65
• 3,200M Relay
- Artesia "A" (Aubrey Allison, Mckenna Drake, Maralie Garcia, Nori Larsen), 6th, 11:41.52
• Triple Jump
- Quinley Murray, 5th, 32'8"
- Adianez Renteria, 7th, 31'4"
- J'Lee England, 11th, 30'7"
• Pole Vault
- Ellie McGaughy, 3rd, 10'6" *
• Discus
- Peyton Barela, 1st, 101'9.25" *
• Shot Put
- Harper Murray, 1st, 36'9.75" *
- Brooklynne Ivans, 3rd, 34'7.75" *
- Peyton Barela, 10th, 30'2.5"

* denotes state qualification

AHS TENNIS

PICTURED: Kirklyn Miller sends the ball back over the net against Goddard's Zoey Williams during singles play April 14 at The Mack.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)

The Bulldog and Lady Bulldog tennis teams brought out the brooms Tuesday, April 14, at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex.

With a dominant 9-0 shutout by the Lady Bulldogs and a 5-4 thriller by the Bulldogs, the Artesia netters defeated New Mexico Military Institute on their home courts to complete a clean sweep of their 2026 District 4-A-AAAA duals. The Artesia girls dropped just a single match over the course of the four outings, while the 'Dogs had lost just one of their own before battling out the win Tuesday over the scrappy Colts. And with their 4-0 finishes, the Bulldogs and Lady 'Dogs also earned the right to host the D4 team championships next week at The Mack.

On the girls' side, Artesia took all six of their singles matches plus their No. 1 doubles match in straight sets, impressively surrendering just three total games on the day. In No. 1 singles, senior Kirklyn Miller defeated Jocelyn Kennedy 6-0, 6-0, followed by a 6-0, 6-0 showing by sophomore sister Breckyn Miller in No. 2 singles over Ezabelle Gomez; senior Adrienne Harvey topping Sylvia Xu in No. 3 singles, 6-0, 6-1; junior Abigail Jowers besting Eloise Gabler in No. 4 singles, 6-0, 6-0; junior Renee Irvin winning over Sandra Sena in No. 5 singles, 6-0, 6-0; and junior Chloe Aguilar defeating Rai Amarina in No. 6 singles, 6-1, 6-0. The Millers also shut out Kennedy and Gomez in their doubles match, 6-0, 6-0. The remaining doubles matches were played in pro sets due to the Lady Bulldogs' insurmountable lead, with Harvey and Jowers topping Gabler and Amarina 8-1, and Irvin and Aguilar besting Miriam Yehl and Ivana Franco 8-0.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, went an even 3-3 with the Colts in singles play, leaving it to the doubles duos to break the tie. And by way of a 6-2, 6-3 win by the No. 1 team of seniors Cutter Summers and Damian Lopez over Kevin Cheng and Colin Zhang, and a 6-2, 7-5 nailbiter by the No. 3 duo of juniors Ediel Miranda and Adan Alva over Cristobal Velez and Supakorn Tiravanichpomg, the 'Dogs got the job done. The Artesia boys' trio of singles wins came courtesy of the bottom half of their roster, with junior Paul Miller taking the No. 4 match over Zhang, 6-2, 6-1; senior Jackson Hollinger besting Velez in the No. 5 match, 6-1, 6-2; and Miranda winning the No. 6 match over Ton Bach, 6-0, 6-2. Junior Joshua Vazquez came up just short of NMMI's Pablo Morales in the No. 3 match, 4-6, 6-1, 0-6, while Lopez and Summers fell to Jose Gonzalez and Cheng, respectively in the Nos. 2 and 1 matches, 4-6, 0-6 and 1-6, 0-6. Vazquez and Miller were edged by Gonzalez and Morales in No. 2 doubles, 3-6, 4-6.

With their No. 1 seeds, the Artesia teams earn a bye through Round One of the District 4-A-AAAA Team Tournaments, which will be held Tuesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 23, for the girls and boys, respectively. The Lady Bulldogs and Bulldogs will host the first-round winners at 3 p.m. Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, at The Mack to decide the D4 team champions. The D4 Individual Tournaments will also take place in Artesia, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 2.

AHS GOLF

The Bulldog golf team brought its undefeated streak to six tournaments last week in Roswell, while the Lady Bulldogs finished a strong fourth and third, respectively, at the Coyote Classic and Alien Invitational.

Monday, April 13, at the Classic, held at the Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River, the Artesia boys finished first by six strokes over Goddard, 309-315, with Lovington rounding out the top three (323). Coming in fourth was Hobbs with a 325, followed by Gateway Christian (378), Roswell High (380) and Portales (421), with Jal represented individually. The 'Dogs also got a first-place individual finish overall from senior Joel Ochoa with a round of 71, with sophomore Beau Byers coming in third (72), followed by Lucas Atkins (82), Veer Bhakta (84) and Steven Williams (86). Brent McIntire turned in an individual 83.

On the girls' side, the Lady Bulldogs tied for fourth with Class 5A Clovis with a team score of 375. Taking the top three spots were Lovington (345), Goddard (358) and Hobbs (364), while Gateway Christian (405), Clovis Christian (429) and Roswell High (457) went six, seven and eight and Portales and Tatum competed as individuals only. Junior Danyela Munoz had a solid 88 for the Lady 'Dogs, placing her in fifth individually, while senior Ashton Craft shot a 93, senior Hayli Greenwood a 94, junior Karli Horner a 100, and senior Nykol Duncan a 101. Morgan Waldrip finished with a round of 107 individually.

Thursday, April 16, found the Artesia golfers back in Roswell for the Alien Invitational at the NMMI Golf Course, with the Bulldogs once again topping the podium, this time by eight strokes over second-place Hobbs and Lovington, 297-305. Placing fourth through 10th were Goddard (307), Clovis (308), Dexter (316), Carlsbad (329), Roswell High (344), Gateway Christian (371) and Portales (380). The Artesia boys once again topped the field individually as well, with Beau Byers shooting a 69 with birdies on 1, 6, 9, 13, 17 and 18. Placing eighth was Ochoa with a 75, followed by Williams in ninth with a 76 and Locklyn Gray in 12th with a 77. McIntire rounded out the team showing with an 89.

The Lady Bulldogs' third-place 347 at NMMI was bested only by Lovington (328) and Goddard (330), with fourth through ninth going to Hobbs (358), Carlsbad (364), Clovis (370), Roswell High (382), Gateway Christian (388) and Dexter (395). The Lady 'Dogs had two golfers finish in the Top 10: Munoz in sixth with a round of 80 and Craft in ninth with an 82. Other scores included senior Sophie Elsing's 90, a 95 from Greenwood, and a 97 from Horner.

The Artesia teams will return to the Alien City yet again Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21, for the annual RISD Spring Classic, hosted by Roswell High and Goddard at both Spring River and NMMI. After that, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs will head to Hobbs Friday, April 24, for the Eagles' and Lady Eagles' Varsity Spring Invite before closing out their regular season Monday, April 27, with the Artesia Invitational at the Artesia Country Club.

JV ROUND-UP

"A" Baseball

The Bulldog JV "A" baseball team split its penultimate double header of the season Monday, April 13, in Roswell, falling 14-6 in four innings to Goddard in Game One before coming back to take Game Two 7-0.

The Rockets got on the board first in the opener, taking a run out of the bottom of the first when Drake Brown, who singled to lead off, stole second and third before scoring on a double-steal that resulted in the second out of the inning. Artesia starting pitcher Kaden Chavarria and his defense then fended off three straight singles by Cohen Bolin, Israel Nelson and Dezmen Mendoza to escape the inning on a pick-off of Mendoza at first. The 'Dogs were then able to take a 2-1 lead in the top of two when Lucas Atkins and Chavarria, on with a leadoff double to left and a walk, respectively, crossed on a two-RBI base hit from Derrick Ruiz. The boys in orange proceeded to pull further away from there, going up 6-1 on a bases-loaded hit batsman, RBI singles from Tyler Egeland and Logan Rodriguez, and a triple-steal.

But while the Artesia defense was able to get a quick out in the bottom of the second, things would snowball from there following four consecutive base hits by the Rockets. Jay Forchtner's single to left plated two runs, a triple-steal added another, and a bases-loaded walk brought Goddard back within one, 6-5. A two-RBI single to center from Mendoza then returned the lead to the Rockets, 7-5. They'd expand on it from there with an RBI fielder's choice, a two-RBI double by Brown, a bases-loaded HP, and a two-RBI base hit from Brady Duer that made it 13-6. Goddard added its 14th run in the bottom of the third on a Brody Wooton RBI single, and the Bulldogs fell victim to the run rule after going down in order in the top of three and leaving a pair stranded after back-to-back walks in the fourth.

The JV "A" rebounded in the nightcap, however, shutting the Rockets out with a solid defensive performance that saw Atkins give up just three hits through four complete, striking out three, and De'Angelo Catano throw a hitless inning in the fifth.

The Bulldogs picked up their first two runs in the top of one on an RBI double play and a passed ball, then made it 4-0 in the second on an error and a Kolton Hamilton RBI single. Following a pair of scoreless innings, the 'Dogs then plated their final three runs in the 7-0 victory in the top of the fifth on another RBI base hit from Hamilton, a Chavarria sac-fly, and a wild pitch.

The Bulldog JV "A" has one final double header on its 2026 schedule: a rematch with the Rockets at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Artesia. Tickets can be purchased online now.

"B" Baseball

The JV "B" baseball team picked up a split of its own Tuesday, April 14, on its home turf, defeating Lovington in Game One of a double header, 7-2, before coming up short of the Wildcats in Game Two, 8-7.

The 'Cats drew first blood in Tuesday's opener, going up 1-0 in the top of the first on a single from Daniel Martinez, but the Bulldogs would tie things up in the bottom of the second on a wild pitch. Lovington retook the lead in the fourth, 2-1, on an error before the 'Dogs again knotted the game on a wild pitch. Artesia rounded out the 7-2 final in the fifth with help from a Derrick Ruiz RBI single.

The nightcap again saw the boys in orange fall behind early following four Lovington runs in the first on an error, an RBI fielder's choice, and back-to-back singles. The 'Cats then went up 6-0 in the second on an RBI triple and a passed ball. The Bulldogs got on the board in the bottom of two on a two-RBI base hit from Zayden Archuleta, however, and would tie things up in the third on a two-RBI double from Jace Miles, a wild pitch, and an RBI triple by Grayden Washichek. The 'Dogs took a 7-6 lead before at-bat's end on another wild pitch, but the Wildcats rallied in the top of four to go up 8-7 on a sac-fly and an error, and Artesia was unable to answer in their final trips to the plate.

The JV "B" will close out its 2026 campaign at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, against Goddard in Roswell. Tickets to that double header can be purchased here.

"A" Softball

The Lady Bulldog JV "A" won its single game against Goddard Tuesday, April 14, at The Mack, in decisive fashion, 11-1. No scores were available for the team's double header Thursday, April 16, against Lovington.

Next up for the JV "A" will be a single game against Portales at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Portales, followed by a 5 and 7 p.m. double header against Goddard Thursday, April 23, in Roswell. Tickets to Tuesday's game can be purchased here. Tickets to Thursday's games can be purchased here.

Track and Field

The Bulldog JV track and field team came home with the bronze Friday, April 17, from the Wally Goodman Relays, with the Lady Bulldogs coming in eighth in their 10-team field. The meet, hosted by Eunice but held in Hobbs, featured a number of area small schools, along with Hobbs and a pair of private schools from Lubbock, Texas. Lady Bulldog freshman Sammi Medrano had a big meet, placing in the top three in all three distance races, as well as coming in third in the triple jump. Medrano was first in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 15:27.86, second in the 1,600-meter run with a 6:44.02, and third in both the 800-meter run (2:59.78) and triple jump (28'5"). Katherine Lewis also had a third-place finish for the Lady 'Dogs in the 800 run with a time of 7:03.25. Turning in runner-up placements for the Bulldogs were Cameron Devenport in the 1,600 run with a time of 5:13.34, Braxton Norman in the 110 hurdles with a 19.21, and Brody Parra in the pole vault with a 9'6" vault. The 'Dogs got third-place finishes from Devenport in the 3,200 run (11:44.86) and Jonathan Corza in the 400-meter dash (56.64).

The Artesia JV squads will have their final competition of the season Friday, May 8, as Artesia hosts the District 4-AAAA Meet. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wally Goodman Relays Boys' Team Placements
1. Eunice - 100.5
2. Loving - 85.5
3. ARTESIA - 50
4. Tatum - 44
T-5. Kingdom Preparatory Academy (Lubbock, TX) - 42
T-5. Lubbock Southcrest Christian School - 42
T-7. Hobbs - 35
T-7. Jal - 35
9. Dexter - 34
10. Lake Arthur

Wally Goodman Relays Boys' Results
• 200-Meter Dash
- Daven Osburn, 5th, 25.17
• 400M Dash
- Jonathan Corza, 3rd, 56.64
- Santos Calderon, 4th, 57.40
• 800M Run
- Hector Maldonado, 6th, 2:23.51
• 1,600M Run
- Cameron Devenport, 2nd, 5:13.34
- Hector Maldonado, 5th, 5:22.25
- Edwin Villarreal, 6th, 5:24.86
• 3,200M Run
- Cameron Devenport, 3rd, 11:44.86
- Edwin Villarreal, 4th, 11:45.41
• 110M Hurdles
- Braxton Norman, 2nd, 19.21
- Ever Najera, 4th, 20.37
- JC Apodaca, 5th, 22.53
• 300M Hurdles
- Ever Najera, 4th, 48.08
- Braxton Norman, 5th, 49.12
• Pole Vault
- Brody Parra, 2nd, 9'6"
• Discus
- Jonah Doporto, 5th, 106'
- Silas Bush, 6th, 104'0.5"
• Shot Put
- Silas Bush, 5th, 37'2.5"

Wally Goodman Relays Girls' Team Placements
1. Jal - 113.5
2. Eunice - 58
T-3. Hobbs - 50
T-3. Tatum - 50
5. Kingdom Preparatory Academy (Lubbock, TX) - 47
6. Dexter - 46.5
7. Loving - 42
8. ARTESIA - 30
9. Lake Arthur - 5
10. Lubbock Southcrest Christian School - 3

Wally Goodman Relays Girls' Results
• 400-Meter Dash
- Layla Shipman, 5th, 1:11.60
• 800M Run
- Sammi Medrano, 3rd, 2:59.78
• 1,600M Run
- Sammi Medrano, 2nd, 6:44.02
- Katherine Lewis, 3rd, 7:03.25
• 3,200M Run
- Sammi Medrano, 1st, 15:27.86
• 100M Hurdles
- Alison Rodriguez, 6th, 20.88
• Triple Jump
- Sammi Medrano, 3rd, 28'5"
• Discus
- Katie Dowell, 4th, 86'7"

SPORTS TICKETING

Available online ticketing options for this week's scheduled sporting events:

Bulldog Baseball
vs. Lovington
5 p.m. Thursday, April 23
Lovington
Click here to purchase
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vs. Lovington
5 / 7 p.m. Friday, April 24
Brainard Park
Click here to purchase

Lady Bulldog Softball
vs. Portales
5 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
Portales
Click here to purchase
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vs. Goddard
5 / 7 p.m. Friday, April 24
Roswell
Click here to purchase

JV "A" Baseball
vs. Goddard
4:30 / 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
Artesia
Click here to purchase

JV "B" Baseball
vs. Goddard
4:30 / 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20
Roswell
Click here to purchase

JV "A" Softball
vs. Portales
7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
Portales
Click here to purchase
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vs. Goddard
5 / 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23
Roswell
Click here to purchase