Mayfield wins first-ever softball title in record rout

The drama lasted four pitches. That was when Mayfield sophomore Ausaundra Roberto sent a laser-shot leadoff home run over the centerfield wall at Lobo Softball Field — the first of three home runs for her in the game — setting the tone in a record-setting 20-2, six-inning win over cross-town rival Las Cruces High on Saturday afternoon in the Class 5A Softball Championship. Roberto’s three home runs give her 20 for the season (tied for second most in state history) and the Trojans a state-record 98 as a team.

The 20 runs was the most ever scored in a big school championship (Loving once scored 23 in a 1A/2A title game) and, most importantly for Roberto, handing Mayfield its first-ever softball title. "Starting the game with a home run has got to be the best feeling ever," said Roberto. "...

And for us to do this for our two seniors and for this being the first for Mayfield, it just means everything to us. " Added head coach Daniel Dominguez of Roberto's 4-for-5, three homer, 7 RBI game from the leadoff spot, "That's exactly the type of start that you want to set the tone for the rest of the game. " Despite the gaudy numbers they put up this season — Mayfield's 98 home runs in a season is at least 30 homers more than any other team the Journal was able to find records for — Saturday's championship didn't come without overcoming some hurdles.

The Trojans (29-2) started the season without star senior pitcher Angelina Ramirez, who had a cyst removed from her hip. She pitched in her first game this season Friday and came in to close out Saturday's championship. Last week, No.