The U softball team’s season, which has “gone ridiculous” (as coach Mona Stevens said last week) continued on its wayward path this weekend. After losing all five of their games at the Kia Classic in Fullerton, Calif., the Utes’ losing streak now extends to seven games and gives them a measly 10-26 record.
Utah followed its two losses to Louisiana-Lafayette and Washington on Thursday with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Fresno State and a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Cal-State Northridge.
In the consolation bracket, the Utes lost in the first round to No. 6 Oklahoma, 8-0.
Against Cal-State Northridge, Heather Bowlin took the loss, allowing three runs on nine hits, including one home run.
The U offense was unable to get anyone home, as the Utes left seven runners on base.
Against Oklahoma, the story was the same, as the Utes couldn’t score. Jennifer Stewart of Oklahoma threw a five-hitter, striking out six batters.
Jen Pursell took the loss for the U, allowing four earned runs and seven hits. Oklahoma also hit two home runs against the U pitching.
But that’s all behind the U now. The preseason is over. The doubleheaders against top 25 teams are a thing of the past.
“Nothing in me has changed as far as my expectations for conference play,” Stevens said. “If we can pull things together, we’ll be all over it. We’re leaving preseason behind us and heading for conference.”
Stevens said she believes you will see the U in the Mountain West Conference championship game.
The U comes home for a game with in-state rival Utah State this Wednesday at 3 p.m. After that, the Utes head into conference play.
This will be the first time the Utes will not have any of the top teams in the nation in front of them. Stevens said the U was excited not to play “easy” teams, but teams not in the “top six.”
Stevens recognizes the fact that just because the MWC teams aren’t in the top 25, they are no pushovers.
“We’ve still got to play to beat them, but we’re looking forward to getting started in conference,” she said.
After Wednesday’s matchup with Utah State, the Utes get eight days off in preparation for another trip to California to begin conference play against San Diego State on March 29.