ALAMOSA, Colo.—The Adams State University softball team is set to open the 2022 season on Saturday afternoon at the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex inside the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex. The Grizzlies will have four games this weekend as part of the 2022 South Central Region Crossover Tournament.
Adams State, who finished 2021 with a 13-29 record and a 13-27 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) record, were picked to finish in tenth place the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll that was released by conference officials last week.
"I'm very excited for this year, I have high expectations for our team. Our pitchers have really come a long way," said Head Coach
Dervin Taylor. "Our defense is working very hard to get where they need to get. My biggest concern is going to be hitting and if that comes through we will be a very, very competitive team."
Jade Garbiso is the player to watch for the Grizzlies as the all-around player led the Grizzlies in both batting average in the batter's box and wins in the circle. Offensively, Garbiso started 40 of the team's 42 games and drove in 32 runs on eight doubles, six home runs and four triples. In the circle, Garbiso finished the season with a 6-8 record during her 15 appearances. She pitched 82.1 innings allowing 73 runs, only 62 earned, with 53 strikeouts and 26 walks for a 5.27 ERA.
The Grizzlies will open up the weekend against Eastern New Mexico at 1:00 p.m. on Field 2 before playing Western New Mexico at 3:30 p.m. on Field 3. On Sunday, the Grizzlies will take on University of Texas-Permian Basin at 1:00 p.m. before a rematch with the Mustangs at 3:30 p.m.
Adams State have a week off before returning to action for five games in Canyon, Texas at the WTAMU Invitational. The Grizzlies are set to take on Texas A&M University Commerce on Friday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and West Texas A&M University at 2:30 p.m. Saturday will see the Grizzlies play the Lions again at 10:30 a,m., Texas Permian Basin at 12:30 p.m. before closing out the weekend on Sunday, Feb 20 against the host Lady Buffs.
Adams State will then have their home opener in 23 days when they host the Regis Rangers for an RMAC-opening four-game series. The two teams will play doubleheaders starting at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at the ASU Softball Field.
