Aztecs softball has backs against the wall with two weekends to go
Credit: PJ Panebianco/ EVT Sports
The San Diego State Aztecs softball team is in a nothing-to-lose mode right now. The Aztecs are 22-22 overall and 7-12 in conference play, while being two games back of a postseason berth. The past couple of weekends have been as described earlier in the season by Nuveman-Deniz, a rollercoaster. The team continues to struggle in the circle and to be consistent at getting ahead in counts.
The past couple of series have been a disaster for Nuveman-Deniz and her squad. After the series loss to Utah State, the Aztecs played a doubleheader in San Jose due to inclement weather. The first game, the Aztecs won with ease, winning 6-1. The next game started a run-rule losing streak of three in a row by the Aztecs. Losing 8-0 to end the weekend in San Jose.
Grand Canyon is one of, if not the best, mid-major team in the entire country. Beating the Lopes was always going to be a tough task, but with the talent of this team, anything was possible. The first two games ended in run-rule victories for Grand Canyon, scores of 3-12 and 2-11, ending in five innings. San Diego State then responded with a run-rule victory of their own with a 9-1 victory.
Nuveman-Deniz had this to say after the Utah State series.
“The big takeaways right now are this game is kicking us in the gut… we have to be able to move past disappointment. Right now, we are not moving on quickly and letting the feels of the game get to us. Our challenge as a coaching staff right now is keeping the morale high.”
With just two weekends and six games to go, the Aztecs have their backs against the wall. The top six seeds in the conference get bids to the Mountain West tournament in Reno on May 6-9. As it currently stands, only three teams have punched their ticket. Grand Canyon, Nevada, and UNLV. The Aztecs at 7-12 are tied with Utah State for seventh, and are a game behind Colorado State in the standings. New Mexico and Fresno State are each 9-10 and are tied for fourth.
“I still firmly believe we are a very dangerous team. I would honestly say we are the scariest team in the conference. If they get the wrong San Diego State, we can beat anybody. You can call me stupid, but I firmly believe we can win the tournament; we get there, and anything can happen… We have to get to Reno cause anything can happen,” said Nuveman-Deniz describing her team.
The Aztecs have shown how dangerous they can be, especially offensively. The problem continues to be the pitching for the Aztecs. Between all four players in the circle, they each show flashes of being a great pitcher in this conference. According to Nuveman-Deniz, the core lacks confidence. It’s going to be hard to make a run if the players you need the most lack confidence in their abilities.
Coach Nuveman-Deniz had this to say about her pitchers and what the issue is.
“I think it’s a combination of things, right now they are not pitching with confidence. You start nibbling the edges, you walk batters, then you have to throw something over the plate… then you are like, shoot, I gave up four runs. Commanding the zone better has been the issue, wildly missing spots.”
Let’s take a look at what the teams fighting for a spot in Reno have to end the year. First with New Mexico at 9-10 and tied for fourth with Fresno State, the Lobos end with San Jose State and Utah State. Fresno State ends with Nevada and then the Aztecs. Colorado State ends with Utah State and then Grand Canyon. The Aztecs end with Boise State and Fresno State. Utah State ends with Colorado State and New Mexico. While Boise State, which still has a chance at 6-11, ends with SDSU and San Jose State.
New Mexico and Fresno State could likely clinch their postseason berths with a sweep or taking two out of three this weekend, which would then leave the sixth and final spot. The final spot is going to be a bloodbath for all three teams that are in better spots than the Broncos. All three teams will be battling for their postseason lives this weekend to stay alive and have a chance next weekend.
The good news for the Aztecs? They have a chance to both end the Broncos’ hopes and give themselves an amazing chance with a series win. With Colorado State and Utah State facing off this weekend, the Aztecs hope to see Colorado State take two of three. The big reason for the Rams and not the Aggies, Colorado State has to face off against Grand Canyon to end the season. Both squads have tough ending series, but Grand Canyon is more likely to sweep the Rams than the Lobos sweeping the Aggies.
With two weekends to go, it is time for the Aztecs to start playing with that Blue Collar Nasty the team showed earlier in the season. If this team starts playing with that type of confidence and nastiness. This squad, as Coach Nuveman-Deniz said, is dangerous and can beat anyone. Now it’s time for the Aztecs to show it; every game is win or go home from here on out.
Bryant is an Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. He is a big-time SDSU fanatic and a Padres fan.