Despite four home runs, Bernalillo softball falls to Jaguars 10-6 on opening day

ALBUQUERQUE —- Bernalillo’s offense came to play in their season opener, but it did not result in a victory.

Spartans softball fell to Atrisco Heritage Academy 10-6 on opening day, giving up double-digit runs to the Jaguars out on the west mesa.

Despite the 0-1 start, Bernalillo had many positive takeaways from its season debut, with four different Spartans delivering home runs in a derby of a day at the plate.

Kylee Herrera, coming off a winter where she signed with Lamar Community College to continue her softball career, headlined the stat sheet with a 3-for-4 game, including a solo home run to start her senior campaign.

Juniors Aasia Duran, Teyonna Trancosa and Calandria Montoya all delivered their first home runs of the season as well, with Montoya’s coming in the first inning to give Bernalillo an early 1-0 lead.

But for every highlight found at the plate, there were setbacks to follow in the pitcher’s circle. Atrisco put together a five-run third inning to catapult to a 5-1 lead, never relinquishing control across the next 3 1/2 innings.

Montoya, who boosted the Spartans with her bat, struggled in her first start of the year. Over six innings, the Jaguars tallied 13 hits on top of their 10 runs, as the junior struck out four and walked one.

Things weren’t working out in the field, but the Spartans’ bats kept the team's chances within reach. A three-run fifth inning, thanks to Duran’s solo shot and Trancosa’s pivotal two-run blast, made it a one-run game at 6-5.

All nine Spartan hitters would record a hit on the day, including three multi-hit outings. 

On the verge of an opening-day Spartan comeback, Atrisco would respond again. They might not have as much pop as Bernalillo’s lineup, but they hit the Spartans where it hurt the most — and when it mattered the most.

Matching Bernalillo’s 13 hits, despite no homers, the Jaguars small-balled their way to their first win of 2026. Analiz Cuellar and Myriah Cordova supplied three-hit nights, including a three-RBI, two-steal evening for Cuellar.

A four-spot in the bottom of the fifth inning would be the final blow to the Spartans' chances, as Atrisco defended home turf for the first time this season.

Looking to get in the win column, Bernalillo softball will face Pojoaque Valley on March 10 and Grants High School on March 12 before gearing up for early-season tournament play.