April 7, 2011
Lobo Softball — Vs. San Diego State/UNLV — at Lobo Field
Vs. SDSU: 6 p.m., Friday, Lobo Field
Vs UNLV: 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday, Lobo Field
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By Richard Stevens — Senior Writer/GoLobos.com
The role that falls onto Erica Beach’s Lobos as the Mountain West race breaks from the gate isn’t a role of choice. In fact, the Lobos have no choice but to head into MWC play billed as a league underdog .
The Lobos went 1-14 in league play in 2010 and were picked to finish last in the 2011 Mountain race.
So, is there a trap about to be sprung Friday over at Lobo Field when the San Diego State Aztecs open MWC play with a visit against Beach’s young, improved and energetic Lobos?
“We might be considered underdogs, but as long as we know we aren’t, I think teams had better watch out,” said sophomore pitcher Kaela DeBroeck. “We expect to pull out a lot of wins this year. Our coaches have put a lot of confidence in us. The team has grown closer and we believe in ourselves.”
Said Beach: “I think we have surprised people so far, but nobody is picking us to finish at the top of the conference. I’ll take the underdog role any day. We’ll battle people and we’ll be the scrappy underdog out to surprise people.”
The change in the strut over at Lobo Field already shows a dramatic improvement. The Lobos of 2010 limped to an 11-37 mark, going a dismal 3-33 down the stretch. There was a change in the guard over at Lobo Field and Beach and her energy-charged staff already have posted 14 wins (14-15) in 2011.
But there is still some catching up to do — at least on paper and maybe on the field. The field stuff begins this weekend. BYU plays at Utah and UNLV is at Colorado State.
“The league looks to be really competitive and I don’t see an easy team for anybody,” said Beach. “It will be a battle every day and anybody can win on any given day. It’s hard to say there is a favorite, but I know we come into conference as an underdog and we have to prove ourselves.”
The powerhouse labels of the MWC going into the 2011 season were slapped onto the backs of San Diego State and Brigham Young. The Cougars were picked to defend their 2010 crown, followed by San Diego State. Both teams were ranked nationally in at least one pre-season poll.
The pre-conference marks indicate the MWC predictions were close and maybe solid. SDSU is 24-14 and Brigham Young is 22-14. UNLV and Utah also scratched out winning marks heading into league play at 18-13 and 22-16, respectively. UNM is at 14-15 and Colorado State is struggling at 7-27. SDSU, BYU, UNLV and Utah all have winning records on the roads.
SDSU is a tough opener and UNLV is playing well. The Aztecs have one of the top pitching staffs in the MWC behind Samantha Beasley (103 strikeouts) and Bailey Mimetic (107 Ks). The Aztecs’ top sticks are Justeen Maeva (.359), Katie Mathis (.353), Lindsey Marquez (.327), Jen Wisneski (.310) and Jessica Camello (.303).
The Lobos are led in hitting by Jessica Garcia (.470, 8 home runs), Kerry Hodgins (.390) and Danielle Castro (.349). Garcia tops the MWC in batting average, slugging average, hits, doubles and total bases.
The Lobo pitching staff of DeBroeck (51 Ks) and Kari Gutierrez (34 Ks) isn’t overpowering, but does a good job with pitch selection and location. Madeline Green has pitched 16.2 innings of relief.
“The pitchers across the board have improved throughout the year and they have worked hard to make that happen,” said Beach, a former Arizona State pitcher. “Both Kaela and Kari have both stepped up big at different times to show what they are capable of, but now we want to see more consistency. It can’t be a roller-coaster ride on the mound.
“Maddie understands that she is stepping into crazy situations in her relief role. She goes into difficult situations and rarely has an easy inning. She is doing a great job in accepting that role.”
The Lobos obviously have a tough opener with San Diego State and it would be nice, helpful, if the Lobos broke from the gate clean and fast. However, the real key for this young team is to keep improving and be in the race at the finish line. The NCAA automatic bid goes to the regular-season champion and the league is usually good for at least one at-large bid.
“The team goes into conference play with a lot of confidence,” said Beach. “The reason we played a tough schedule was to prepare us for conference play. It’s a clean slate for everyone and we’re excited to prove ourselves to the Mountain West. We expect to compete and contend.
“I think we are an exciting team to watch. These girls play hard with a ton of energy. We play hard against whoever steps onto the field with us. We don’t get intimidated by big teams and we don’t let up for weaker teams. This team battles and I like that about them.”
Said Garcia: “I don’t think any of these (MWC) teams are expecting us to win many games, but we are going to surprise some people. We have moved on from the past and this year there is new chemistry and new belief in ourselves. We are ready to roll.”
Editor’s Note: Richard Stevens is a former Associate Sports Editor and sports columnist for The Albuquerque Tribune. You can reach him at rstevens50@comcast.net.