It's been an up-and-down season for the UNM softball team.
But there have been more valleys than peaks for the Lobos, and UNM stands at 11-32.
After dropping a game to San Diego State 10-4 on Friday, the Lobos were swept in a three-game series against UNLV 8-4, 12-1 and 10-4.
Center fielder Samantha Hughes said she is disheartened that the Lobos have been unable to get over the hill they've faced most of the season.
"It is really tough that we can't seem to finish out games," she said. "We get close, but we aren't getting it done like we need to."
In two of the games, UNM had opportunities to pull out wins. But each time, the Rebels managed one big inning that shattered the Lobos' hopes.
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Sunday, in front of 1,044 fans, UNLV got out to a one-run lead in the first, but the Lobos drew even in the second inning, as Jessica Lujan-Dresslar scored UNM's first run of the game.
UNLV pulled ahead in the fourth, compliments of a home run from Laura Briones. The Rebels tacked on three more in the inning, giving them a 5-1 lead. UNM couldn't overcome the deficit, despite a three-run fifth inning.
Over the course of the season, the Lobos have lost 17 games by four runs or fewer. Of those, 10 were one-run losses.
Head coach Ty Singleton said he has been frustrated by how many opportunities UNM has had.
"I'm going to be honest: It's been a really hard year for us," he said. "Obviously, the results aren't what we would like. But despite the difficulties and the losses, I'm proud of the team for continuing to battle."
The Lobos' biggest flaw has been giving up multiple-run innings, which has forced UNM to play from behind. This weekend was no exception. The Lobos gave up two four-run innings in two games against the Rebels and gave up a six-run inning to the Aztecs.
"We have got to limit those opportunities in the last couple of games we have," Singleton said.
With in-state rival New Mexico State set to play the Lobos on Tuesday, Singleton said UNM needs to win its last five games.
"Any rivalry game is a special and important game," Singleton said. "We will come out fired up and hope to get this win, which will hopefully give us the momentum heading into the last games of the season."
