LOVINGTON — The Portales High softball team pulled a split at Lovington Tuesday, keeping a one-game lead in the District 4-3A standings.

Junior Amanda Marquez pitched seven strong innings to put Lovington (10-10, 5-3) away for a 6-2 win in the opener, but Portales fell behind 4-0 in the nightcap and couldn’t rally.

“Defensively we did OK, but we had some breakdowns,” Portales coach Robbie Crowley said. “We had some errors we haven’t had in both games. I think Lovington was playing not to lose, but to win.”

Portales (13-9, 6-2) trailed 2-0 entering the fourth inning in the opener, but took the lead with a two-run triple by Gabby Garcia in the sixth.

Portales hosts Ruidoso Friday in a 3 p.m. district doubleheader.