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The New Mexico softball team was able to snap its four-game losing streak on Wednesday and extend UTEP’s downward skid in the process.
UNM snatched a 6-5 win in the first game of a doubleheader at Lobo Field. The Lobos gave up a two-run lead in the top of the seventh inning, allowing the Miners to tie the game at five. But with two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh, freshman catcher Naomi Tellez hit a single that drove in senior infielder Kaity Ingram for the win.
Senior pitcher Kaela DeBroeck (7-9) earned the victory by throwing seven innings, allowing five runs with seven strikeouts. Freshman outfielder Mariah Rimmer went 4-for-4 with one home run, three scored runs and two runs batted in.
Ingram said the work in practice contributed to the high-pressure win.
“I was excited because I just wanted to get on base,” Ingram said. “In practice we’ve been working on putting the ground on the ball. Naomi (Tellez) did what she was supposed to do and good things happened.”
Ingram managed to extend her hitting streak to six games on Wednesday.
New Mexico needed only one inning of offensive production to earn a 4-2 win in the second game against UTEP. The Lobos scored all four runs off of three hits and two walks in the first inning. The Lobos are now 16-5 when scoring first and 10-4 when scoring in the first inning.
Freshman pitcher Lauren Soles (9-13) pitched seven innings, giving up two runs on six hits. Five Lobos each had a hit.
Head coach Erica Beach said the two wins were encouraging.
“It was really good to get two wins today,” she said. “They were well-fought and competitive. Those are fun to be a part of.”
New Mexico (21-29, 3-9 MWC) remains in sixth place in the Mountain West Conference, but improved its home record to 11-8. It’s the first time since April 5 and 6 that the Lobos have won back-to-back games. The Lobos extended the Miners’ losing streak to 15 games when they swept the doubleheader.
“By snapping the losing streak and getting two wins, it really helps the team,” Beach said. “The girls needed this to raise their confidence.”
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Juniors Chelsea Anaya and Jordyn Bledsoe have been missing action due to injuries. But Beach said despite that, the Lobos’ hard work and dedication have carried them far this season.
“I’m proud of how we’ve fought through adversity this season,” she said. “They haven’t made it an excuse and we’re fighting hard.”
