The ACU softball team is hoping to have a short memory and renewed mindset as it rebounds from losing two out of three games to Texas Women’s University last weekend before taking on Texas A&M University -Kingsville Friday and Saturday at Wells Field.
The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 8-6 on Friday before falling to them 8-0 and 9-4 in the latter games of the series.
Errors and pitching problems plagued the ‘Cats, as both were present in the two games they lost. Eight walks, coupled with two errors, hindered ACU in the second game of the series, while TWU’s Lizzy Kelly silenced the ACU bats in their 8-0 win in the nightcap of the series.
“There are lots of things that we can work on and improve before the series with Texas A&M-Kingsville. I thought we were sub-par in all facets of the game in the two games we lost, so that gives us things to work on in preparation for this weekend,” Head Coach Bobby Reeves said.
The Javelinas, riding a current six-game losing streak, enter the matchup averaging slightly better than 4 runs per game, junior outfielder Kaycee Bryan leading the offense. Bryan leads the team in batting average (.359), runs (28), hits (52) and triples (5).
“These guys should not be taken lightly. They have beaten St. Mary’s three times this year, and that’s more than we can say. They are a very scrappy team and can hurt you if you allow them to,” Reeves said.
The Javelinas (3-9, 22-22) enter the series in seventh place in the Lone Star Conference South Division, but catcher Erin Gilliland said that their record has no indication of who they are as a team.
“At this time of the year, we can’t take any team lightly. We’re looking at this series with the same mindset as we did when we played Angelo State.” Gilliland said. “Each series from here on out is critical for us, and we have been preparing all week for them and are excited to play them this weekend.”
The Wildcats, on the other hand, are sitting in a tie for third in the LSC South. Their offense remains a strong point, as they continue to score better than 5.5 runs per game this year.
Several different players rank tops on the team in certain categories. Valentina Nabayan leads the team in homeruns (9), RBIs (30), and on-base percentage (.469). Melissa Mendoza leads the team in hits (69), runs (40), doubles (14) and batting average (.423).
ACU (22-22, 7-5) will host TAMU-K in a doubleheader Friday, starting at 5 p.m. before playing at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
