By J.T. Keith
The 2025 Nusenda Credit Union State Softball Championships begin on Friday, May 9. It is an opportunity for Artesia softball coach Sandra Pulido to win her fourth state title.
Pulido’s last title came in 2021 with a 4-0 victory over Piedra Vista in the championship game.
For the No. 2 seed Lady ‘Dogs to advance to the quarterfinals, they must take care of business against Deming’s 15th-seeded Wildcats in the opening round of the state playoffs. Game time is 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mack Chase Sports Complex.
Artesia has played Deming twice at home this season, defeating them 17-2 on March 14 and 15-0 on March 21.
Do not overlook Deming
Artesia mercy-ruled Deming in both games, so Pulido knows the Lady ‘Dogs must guard against overlooking the Wildcats after winning two of their last three clashes.
“We have to stay focused,” Pulido said. “We cannot let up because we are playing a lower seed. We must continue to do what we do best – celebrate the small victories and play for each other.”
Pulido said the 2025 season has been a rebuilding year but the team came together and won the District 4- 4A title from Lovington, the 2024 champions.
Artesia has a record of 19-7 overall, and 8-1 in district play. The district title is Pulido’s seventh in 10 years.
Artesia comes into the Deming matchup as winners of 11 of 12 games, the only defeat a 6-4 loss to Lovington on April 17.
Long ball in vogue
Artesia has a lineup that leans toward the long ball. Kayden Apodaca leads the team in power output with 14 home runs. Jenna Whitmire has eight and freshman Katrin Marquez is third on the team with five and leads the team in runs batted in with 27. As a team, the Lady ‘Dogs have 37 homers on the season.
Artesia will be at full strength with the return of sophomore infielder Brooklyn Fuentes, who had been sidelined with an injury. Fuentes adds defense and speed to the lineup. She is second on the team in stolen bases with four, just one behind team leader Leslie Molina.
Pulido said she is pleased with the team’s progress since the beginning of the season in March.
“At the end of the day, we are proud of how far we have come but it is not over yet,” she said. “We have to continue to compete.”
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