The UNM softball team returns home this weekend and will pull for its first conference victory when the Lobos host Utah and BYU Friday and Saturday at Lobo Field.
The Lobos got conference play off to a crummy start after their home-opener against Colorado State was cancelled. Then they were swept by UNLV and San Diego State last weekend on the road.
"It's going to be tough," head coach Kim Newbern said. "The thing is, we're at home. Our girls will be able to get more rest. They're comfortable at their place, and they're hungry right now. They're ready for their first win."
The Aztecs and the Rebels are first and second in the conference, respectively. BYU and Utah are tied for third at 3-3.
UNM beat BYU and Utah twice last year, including dropping the Utes in the first round of the Mountain West Conference Championships last season.
Utah leads the league in home runs with 42 behind its two power hitters, senior Glennis Donnelly and freshman Devina Quintero. Donnelly has smashed 50 hits this season, including 12 home runs, while Quintero has marked 10 home runs and 30 RBIs this year. Senior Melissa Stahnke has had two triples.
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Newbern said these hitters are the Utes' greatest strength.
"They've got some hitters that are really hard to get around," she said. "We know that they've got three we have to contain. If we can do that, I think we've got a really good shot."
But for UNM, frustration is lingering. The Lobos have won only one of their last nine games.
Newbern said the Utah team never plays timidly and always does well on the road.
Utah is 13-22 overall, coming off a tough non-conference schedule including the likes of No. 15 Oregon State and No. 17 Fresno State - the Utes lost to both.
Utah seems to excel in everything but pitching. The Ute pitching staff has given up 34 home runs this season with an ERA of 3.97. Sophomore Brianna Gourdin is Utah's only winning pitcher with a 10-4 record and 2.92 ERA.
"They've got one girl that's been throwing pretty decent for them," Newbern said. "It looks like at times they struggle defensively, but when you get them firing on all cylinders, they're going to be pretty tough."
Consistency on the mound is one thing UNM has that Utah and BYU lack. In fact, Utah's greatest weakness may be the Lobos' greatest strength. Senior Amy Dumas, dismantling the UNM record books, holds four records and is in the top five of every other pitching category. The Lobos lead the MWC in pitching.
Also, junior Ashley Perkins shutout eight opponents in her first year at UNM, with an ERA of 2.34 and sophomore Iraina Ogas is also a force on the mound.
The Lobos and the Utes will face off today at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Lobo Field. They will play another doubleheader against BYU on Saturday at the same times. Admission is free for students with a valid Lobo ID.
