ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico softball team put together a better performance against San Diego State Saturday but fell 2-1. The Lobos are now 22-24 on the season and 7-12 in the Mountain West. The Aztecs are now 27-20 overall and 10-10 in the conference.
“I think we should have won that game,” said head coach Erica Beach. “We were one clutch hit away from winning that game but I am really proud of their toughness and how they recovered from yesterday.”
The Lobos got on the board early in the first inning after holding San Diego State scoreless. With two outs, senior Mariah Rimmer beat out her ground ball to second for an infield single. Junior Jasmine Casados followed with an RBI double to left center, scoring Rimmer from first, giving the Lobos a 1-0 lead.
Lobo starter Colette Robert and the Lobo defense held that lead until the third inning. San Diego State put together a two-run third to gain a 2-1 lead over the Lobos. The Aztecs used an RBI single and sacrifice fly.
Both offenses were quiet the rest of the way. Robert kept SDSU off balance at the plate. She retired the side for the final four innings.
“Colette mixed her spots really well,” said Beach. “She got those girls to ground out on the drop balls inside and she really let our defense work. We have been talking to her a lot more about letting the defense work and not trying to strike people out.”
At the plate, the Lobos tried to get things going. Rimmer led off the fourth with a single but was left at second. In the sixth, junior Michala Erickson led off with a single but was out on Rimmer’s fielder’s choice. Casados singled but a double play to third ended the threat.
Robert suffered the loss in the circle, going the distance and allowed two runs off just four hits. She is now 8-8 on the season.
At the plate, Rimmer and Casados led the squad, each going 2-for-3. Casados had the only RBI of the game while Rimmer scored the lone run.
The Lobos will look to take the final game of the series tomorrow at noon. A senior celebration will take place following the conclusion of the game.
New Mexico Athletics and Lobo softball would like to thank all that participated in our Lobos Love Pink game. The fans efforts raised over $600 to help the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.