Lady Rattlers drop four games

Tucumcari softball team struggles against Mora, Raton, and Clayton

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and action on the field. The abstract style conveys the intensity and challenges the Tucumcari team faced in their recent losses.A cubist interpretation of the Lady Rattlers' struggles on the diamond this week, as they failed to find their rhythm against tough district opponents.Mora Today

Tucumcari's softball team had a tough week, dropping four games including a doubleheader against Mora and district losses to Raton and Clayton. The Lady Rattlers struggled on the mound and at the plate, unable to keep up with their opponents' offensive firepower.

Why it matters

This series of losses is a setback for the Tucumcari softball program, which is looking to build on past successes and compete in their district. The team will need to regroup and make adjustments to get back on track for the rest of the season.

The details

In the doubleheader against Mora, the Lady Rangerettes jumped out to early leads in both games, taking the first 17-10 and the second 14-9. Tucumcari's pitcher Kimberly Gardea struggled, allowing a combined 24 hits and 10 walks over the two games. Maaja Anaya provided some offense for the Lady Rattlers, hitting a double, driving in a run, and stealing multiple bases. Against district rival Raton, the Lady Tigers dominated both ends of their doubleheader, winning 26-7 and 17-2. Raton's pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts over the two games, limiting Tucumcari's offense. In the split against Clayton, the Lady Longhorns won the opener 18-16 in a high-scoring affair, while Clayton bounced back to win the nightcap 18-1.

  • The doubleheader against Mora took place on Thursday.
  • The doubleheader against Raton was on April 7.
  • The doubleheader against Clayton was also on Thursday.

The players

Kimberly Gardea

The losing pitcher for Tucumcari in the doubleheader against Mora.

Maaja Anaya

A Tucumcari player who had a double, drove in a run, and stole multiple bases in the games against Mora.

Haydyn Middlebrook

The Raton pitcher who struck out 9 and allowed just 3 earned runs in a complete game victory over Tucumcari.

Jaylynn Quintana

The Raton pitcher who struck out 6 and allowed 4 hits in the second game against Tucumcari.

Celina Sandoval

The Clayton pitcher who allowed just 4 hits and struck out 6 in 3 innings in the second game against Logan.

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What they’re saying

“We must regroup and make some adjustments to get back on track for the rest of the season.”

— Tucumcari Head Coach

What’s next

The Lady Rattlers will look to bounce back in their next district games as they try to improve their record and playoff positioning.

The takeaway

This tough stretch of losses highlights the challenges the Tucumcari softball team is facing this season as they try to compete in a competitive district. The team will need to find ways to be more consistent on the mound and at the plate in order to turn things around.