Utah Valley softball will open WAC play this weekend with a three-game series against the New Mexico State Aggies, with a doubleheader on Friday and a single game Saturday.

First pitch of Friday's doubleheader is slated for 2 p.m. MDT, with the second game scheduled for 30 minutes after the completion of the first game. Saturday's game is slated for 12 p.m. MDT. All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at UVUStats.com

The Wolverines are looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of in-state rival Utah State on Tuesday. Angelique Mann went 3-for-3 with a trio of singles and a stolen base. Brooke Saili gave Utah Valley 5.2 strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits. 

The Wolverines have turned the second-most double plays in the WAC this season with eight. Their double plays per game average of 0.40 ranks among the top 50 in the nation. 

The Wolverines and Aggies split the regular season series last year as both teams won two out of three at their home ballparks. As the WAC returns to a single division this season, this will be the only series these teams play this season.

Barring a rematch in this year's WAC Tournament, this will be the final time Utah Valley and NMSU meet on the softball diamond as conference foes. NMSU is scheduled to leave for Conference USA beginning in the 2023-24 athletic year. As conference foes, NMSU leads the all-time series 25-9, but the two teams have split the last six meetings. 

ABOUT THE AGGIES (38th MEETING, 9-28 ALL-TIME)

NMSU enters WAC play with an 11-9 record after being swept by the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats in a midweek doubleheader. The Aggies had the worst ERA in the WAC in 2022 with a team ERA over 10, and have whittled that down to just under 6 at 5.93. NMSU landed one player on the preseason All-WAC team in Kayla Bowen, who leads her team in runs scored with 14. The Aggies boast one of the strongest offenses in the WAC with a team batting average of .292 that ranks third, and a home run per game average that ranks 8th in the nation and top in the WAC.

UP NEXT

Utah Valley is scheduled to host another in-state foe in Weber State on Tuesday, March 21, with first pitch at 4 p.m. MDT. With rain and snow in the forecast, it is possible the game will be postponed to a later date. Follow UVU Softball on social media for updates. 

The Wolverines will continue WAC play with a three-game series at Sam Houston on March 24 and 25 in Huntsville, Texas. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at UVUStats.com.