LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands softball team looks to take a step forward in year two under head coach
Randi Berg as the Cowgirls open the 2019 season Friday at the St. Mary's Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
NMHU went 9-39 during the 2018 campaign, including 5-34 in RMAC play - but the returnees have another year of experience to go along with a strong group of newcomers.
In the circle for NMHU this season, look for Arizona Western transfer
Belinda Gonzalez, South Mountain transfer
Megan Jesionowski along with returnees
Desiree Bogarin,
Isabella Scarale,
Brianna Velasquez and freshman
Victoria Reyes to all contribute. The Cowgirls are hoping to improve a team ERA of 8.44 last season.
Behind the plate for NMHU, Southwestern transfer
Megan Malwitz, freshman
Emily Mendoza or
Ashley Forshee will get the call for the Cowgirls.
Around the rest of the infield, MSU Denver transfer
Olivia Muniz, Southwestern transfer
Nicole Correia or
Steevi Heredia will see time at first base, Reyes or
Desiree Madrid (started all 48 games for the Cowgirls last season hitting .223 with two homers and 19 RBI) will be at second base, Madrid,
Leah Osborn (34 starts last season with a .299 average, three home runs and 15 RBI) or Southwestern transferÂ
Angelina Guthro will be at shortstop andÂ
Breanna Cabrera (started 28 games and hit a team-best .398 last season), Guthro or Madrid will be the options at third base.
In the outfield, the Cowgirls haveÂ
Camrynn Ziegler (started 45 games last year, hit .285 with a team-best 22 RBI),
Brooklynn DeLozier (started 432 games, hit .223 with 15 RBI),
Haley Rodriguez,
Victoria Mata, Seward County transfer
Raelyn Sanchez and Osborn as options.
This weekend the Cowgirls will take on Eastern New Mexico (Friday), Texas A&M - Commerce (Friday), Tarleton State (Saturday), Texas A&M - Kingsville (Saturday) and St. Edwards (Sunday) before taking on ENMU again Monday in a doubleheader in Portales.
NMHU plays its home opener Feb. 17 against Western New Mexico before opening RMAC play the following week.
