The ACU Wildcats softball team kicked off the break the same way the weather did – hot. They continued that streak into spring break, going 5-1 and moving into a tie for first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division.
The team put on an offensive showcase in their series against Eastern New Mexico. The Wildcats put up 50 runs in their three-game series against the Zias, which equaled a sweep.
“We are simply hitting the ball right now,” Head Coach Bobby Reeves said. “From top to bottom in our lineup, everyone is contributing, and it’s a coach’s dream to be on the right end of that. It’s kind of like our hitters are seeing beach balls out of the pitcher’s hand.”
In the opener, ACU pummeled ENMU 22-11, pounding out 21 hits in the effort. Melissa Mendoza and Megan Brigance each went 3-6 with four RBIs, while Valentina Nabayan was 4-6 with 2 RBIs. ACU put the game away with a six-run sixth inning and an eight-run seventh to secure the win. In those final two innings, ACU had 10 hits.
The team continued its dominance Saturday, routing Eastern New Mexico 11-4 in the first game and 17-2 in the second game to complete the sweep. The offense continued its destructive ways, producing 29 combined hits in the two games. Mendoza played a big role once again, recording eight of those hits. She hit .667 with seven RBIs in the series, going 4-5 in both games Saturday. ACU scored 10 runs before even producing an out in the first inning in the first game.
West Texas A&M was next on the schedule for the ‘Cats, as they would host the No. 10 Lady Buffs for three games. ACU would score three runs in the bottom of the first without producing a hit and get a solid outing from sophomore pitcher Shelby Hall en route to a 3-1 win. Hall allowed only eight hits over seven innings. Solid defense behind Hall also played a part in the win.
“That was a great all-around game for us. We were clicking on all cylinders. We had some key double plays, were patient at the plate and played sound defensively,” Reeves said.
ACU lost the first game of the doubleheader Saturday 5-0 before rebounding in the rubber match, winning a 9-8 game that went down to the wire.
Mendoza, once again, showed up in a big way, and laced a two-out single that would propel the Wildcats to a walk-off victory over rival West Texas.
“After beating WT, we were so excited. Taking two out of three from the No. 10 team in the country is huge for us. It shows that we can compete with anyone and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Mendoza said.
The Wildcats are averaging 6.27 runs per game and are using a combination of timely hitting and solid defense to put away opponents.
ACU begins a series with Incarnate Word (16-11, 3-3) on Friday, with first pitch at 5 p.m.
Reeves hopes his hitters can continue their recent strong showing.
“It’s kind of like our hitters are seeing beach balls out of the pitcher’s hand,” Reeves said.
