This is a big transition year for the Lobo softball team, with just one pitcher back from last year's rotation.
Leading the hurlers will be senior Ashley Perkins, the lone returnee.
"I want to be a leader on this team and pitch well," Perkins said. "But in order to do so, I have to stay consistent."
She was far from that last season, finishing with a 12-8 record after an 8-0 start to the season.
"Consistency is something the whole team needs to do to win," head coach Kim Newbern said.
She said the team got off to a wonderful start last year and probably peaked too early.
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"I would like to see the team progress consistently this year and hopefully hit their peak entering conference play," Newbern said.
Joining Perkins on the mound will be junior transfer Katie Gregg and sophomore Caley Peterson. Gregg is a transfer from Washburn who was recruited by Newbern to fill the voids left by last year's graduates.
"Katie brings that depth and experience to our rotation that we need, and she is a good down-ball pitcher," Newbern said. "It is a lot harder for a down-ball pitcher to get hurt."
Peterson said he looks to add that extra depth to the rotation and legitimize the Lobos. Peterson is coming from Arizona Western, where she dominated opponents with a 15-6 record, 11 saves and a 1.82 ERA.
"We have three very good pitchers this year," Newbern said. "They help mix it up, and they are all very complementary to each other."
On offense, Newbern has brought in several new position players who are very athletic and should help to bolster the Lobos' scoring.
"We can score runs," Perkins said. "That shouldn't be a factor. The pitching staff staying together, though, is vital to this team."
The Lobos come into the season tied with University of Nevada-Las Vegas for the No. 5 ranking in the Mountain West Conference.
"I think we have a very athletic team and a tough pitching staff," Newbern said. "If we stay consistent we should have a good year."
Softball starts its season this week at UC- Santa Barbara. They don't play their first home game until March 12 against Indiana State.
