SDSU softball hosts New Mexico for a three-game set
Credit: SDSU Softball
San Diego State softball came back home from Logan, Utah, for a quick game against cross-town rival the USD Toreros.
The game was not close as the Aztecs downed the Toreros 10-0, ending in five innings.
Everyone for the Aztecs had a great game, they played perfect.
Grace Uribe started the first three shutout innings for the Aztecs. She was then relieved by Ava Schaffel, who retired all six batters she faced. Cali Decker and Shannon Cunningham led the Aztecs. Decker got on base and scored all three times while also driving in three runs. Cunningham with a big two-RBI double that opened up the scoring for the Aztecs.
The Aztecs got an off day before facing off against a gritty New Mexico squad.
New Mexico is 16-13-1 with only one common opponent: the USD Toreros.
The Lobos also shut out USD but only scored two runs in the game. New Mexico is led by three underclassmen who have been vital to their success. McKenna Guest, Allie Williams, and DeNae Vasquez-Dickson are the key players for this very young and talented Lobos squad. Guest is the Lobos best pitcher, posting a 2.27 ERA and a WHIP of 1.3o. She is a strikeout specialist with 88 Ks on the year. Guest keeps the ball in the yard, gives the Lobos a chance in any game she pitches, and could bode problems for the Aztecs in the box.
Williams and Vasquez-Dickson have played in the most games for the Lobos. Williams is second on the Lobos in batting average, with a .375 average along with an OBP of .441. She puts the ball in play and uses her speed very similar to Bella Espinoza of the Aztecs.
Vasquez-Dickson has a nice mix of speed and power. She has 12 extra-base hits on the year, including one home run. Vasquez-Dickson is a staple in the Lobos order and when she is on her game, the Lobos are a very tough team to beat. The Lobos are fundamentally sound in every aspect of the game. Defensively, they are one of the top teams in the Mountain West, limiting errors with the glove. They do not steal very often but are successful when they do, with only getting caught four times in thirteen tries.
The Aztecs will need to continue the offensive onslaught they have had the past four games to get past the Lobos. Look for Cece Cellura to have a bounce-back weekend after struggling last week in her one appearance in Logan vs. the Aggies.
The Aztecs and Lobos will face off on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
All games being streamed on the Mountain West Network. Friday, March 21 at 6 PM PT. Saturday, March 22, at 4 PM PT. Sunday, March 23 at noon PT. Sunday, the Aztecs will be hosting a Youth Softball Day, giving away free SDSU scrunchies, along with free autographs, and letting the kids run the bases postgame.
Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.