The University of New Mexico's softball team played a double header against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls on Oct. 7.
No official box score was released so stats were kept by hand for game one by the Daily Lobo.
In game one, the Lobos defeated the Cowgirls 12-1. UNM's offense exploded for runs in multiple innings. They earned 14 hits and seven walks.
Head Coach Nicole Dickson shared what she strives for in the team during Fall Ball and how it can be used to integrate newcomers.
"(I look for) competitive, bouncing back kids who take advantage of opportunities. We're playing a lot of people right now … What's been fun is we have about 50 percent returners and 50 percent new kids, but everyone is blending in really well," Dickson said.
The Lobos stole three bases on six attempts in the game. Last season, they were 6th in the conference in steals and attempts going 40-43. When asked if stealing is something Dickson is looking to incorporate more into the offense come spring, she said it has been something they have had an emphasis on in practice.
"We're trying to be more aggressive on the bases. We've got some kids who run really well so we've been focused in practice trying to get better jumps and getting them confident with stealing," said Dickson.
UNM sent out three pitchers in the game, each having a great performance. Amber Linton started and went four innings; she gave up two hits. Freshman Brooke Umali came in for relief and went two innings, giving up just one hit. Taylor Snow closed out the final inning, giving up two hits but no runs.
The Lobos scored first in the bottom of the third inning. Runners on second and third, Ashley Archuleta doubled to score two and Chloe Yeatts followed it up with a double to score a run. Emma Bramson tripled to send her home to go up 4-0.
The Cowgirls lone run came in the top of the fourth inning. With runners on first and third, Highlands attempted to steal second and on the throw the runner on third took off for home scoring a run.
Lobos took over the game in the bottom of the fifth, scoring six runs. A balanced offense was featured throughout the game with most of the lineup earning a hit.
Outfielder Keyannah Chavez went 2-4 in the game but one of her outs was a pivotal bunt to move the runners in scoring position. When asked about batting during Fall Ball, she said it's about being aggressive yet selective.
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"I like to just be aggressive – chase after any good pitch – but you have to be selective, really selective at our at bats and wait for those ones," Chavez said.
After the game, Rachel Hathoot was happy with the win but said Fall Ball is more about gaining repetition. She added on defense, getting to make plays gets the team ready for the regular season.
"In the fall, it's all about learning so if we can have games now, it can only prepare us for spring … Live reps are huge at this point because we need to fine tune everything right now so that we're ready come spring time," Hathoot said.
The Lobos will host their Cherry and Silver series in Albuquerque starting on Oct. 11.
Thomas Bulger is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @thomasbulger10
Thomas Bulger is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @thomasbulger10
