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Sports

Pressure mounts for Cougars

Softball needs win against UTEP to keep top conference spot in sight

by LOURDES CASTILLO
The Daily Cougar

Freshmen contributions have undoubtedly played a big role in the softball team's 24-12 record. The team has improved in all aspects of the game, and players such as freshman catcher Elaina Nordstrom have saved the day with game-winning hits in extra innings. 

"We knew we had a really strong class coming in, and we were coming off a good year (when) we recruited them," assistant coach Beth McClendon said. "Anytime they do as well as they've done, I feel like they've surpassed (our expectations) a little bit, but we knew what we were getting into."

However, it is the team effort that has helped the Cougars (6-3 C-USA) beat ranked teams such as USA Softball Poll No. 22 Oregon (3-0) in Feb. 12 and No. 16 Baylor (4-2) on Feb. 17. UH hopes to gain valuable wins when it hosts University of Texas-El Paso at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

"(A win) is crucial. At this point, with the three losses we've already suffered, every game is crucial. We can't afford to lose any more if we still want to be at the top of the conference," McClendon said.

UTEP defeated Southern Mississippi 16-5 on Sunday after two losses, 6-9 and 1-14, on Saturday. The 16-5 UTEP win was its first in Conference USA play. During the five-inning game, pitcher Veronica Flournoy (5-5) was awarded with the win after pitching 3.1 innings. UTEP's Sara Hernand and Amber Bennet registered three runs and two RBIs apiece. Before traveling to Houston, the Miners will compete against No. 9 Arizona State in hopes of improving their 12-20 record. 

UH is coming off a three-game series sweep against Central Florida in which the Cougars had victories of 4-0, 3-2 and 5-1. In Game 2, Nordstrom saved the day after smacking a two-out RBI single in the 11th inning. The LaPalma, Calif., native also finished with a career-high four RBIs in Game 1.

In the circle, UH will depend on sophomore Angel Shamblin in Game 1 against the Miners. Shamblin holds a 1.74 ERA and 10-5 record, while claiming 105 strikeouts this season. 

"We are more worried about ourselves than we are about our opponents this week," McClendon said. "If we play the way we are capable of playing, if we play our game, make the pitches we are supposed to make and (make) the routine defensive plays, then we should be the better team."
 

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