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Lobos brace for tourney

by Daniel Schrader

Daily Lobo

After a disappointing weekend series for UNM baseball, powerhouse teams will greet the Lobos this weekend at the Crown Plaza-Rice Invitational in Houston.

UNM's squad mustered up only one win in a three-game series against the visiting Texas State Bobcats last weekend.

"Friday's (win) shows what kind of team we can be," said Chris Carlson, sophomore outfielder and first baseman.

Carlson said the team just lost its focus in the two losses.

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The Lobos (4-6) will be the only team of four entering this weekend's tournament with a losing record.

Their first opponent is the undefeated University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.

"The way we play on Friday will set the tone for the weekend," Carlson said.

The No. 27 Cornhuskers launched a 5-0 start this season. All of Nebraska's victories came in a five-game road series against Hawaii-Hilo.

"I've had experience playing against these guys, being a Big 12 Conference transfer from Kansas State University," Carlson said. "We can't take anybody lightly."

Nebraska handed the Lobos three defeats last year.

Considering national ranking, the No. 7 Rice University Owls are the team to beat this weekend. At 8-1, the 2003 NCAA champions are coming off a 10-inning win against inter-city rival Houston University. The Owls' only defeat came in a Feb. 13 battle against the Baylor Bears.

The Lobos will face Rice on the last day of the tournament in a Sunday afternoon game.

UNM's Saturday opponent will be the Western Carolina Catamounts. At 2-1, Western Carolina, has only participated in one series against Wright State.

"We don't know too much about this Western Carolina team," assistant head coach Mark Martinez said. "Nobody does."

With a mix of teams like this, the Lobos will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them in Houston.

"A couple of wins would mean a lot," said Jordan Pacheco, freshman third baseman and relief pitcher. "The confidence level needs to come up."

The Lobos will return for a 10-game home stand after the Crown Plaza-Rice Invitational.

"This is a statement weekend," Martinez said.

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