On Jan. 29, the 10 coaches of the Mountain West’s softball teams met to hand out preseason honors and predict the upcoming season through a coaches’ poll. The Aztecs saw three players, Senior infielder Lala Macario, Junior outfielder Julie Holcomb and Sophomore infielder Quinn Waiki, be selected to the Preseason Mountain West All-Conference team.
After receiving preseason praise, the Aztecs closed out their opening four-game SDSU Season Kickoff, winning three out of the four. A key player who contributed to their winning efforts was Macario, who returned from a season-ending injury last year. Despite appearing in just 16 games last season, batting .465 with five RBIs and 10 runs scored, Macario made a strong enough impression to make the All-Conference team.
“It was such an honor, especially coming back from injury. Looking back at (last season), I didn’t really play that much, and seeing how much they remember me (is) a great feeling. It’s just a prediction (but) I’m fueling that as confidence for myself,” Macario said.
Over their first four games, Macario made several hustle plays to give the Aztecs the advantage in key points. Turning two double plays and walking against the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Saturday afternoon, Macario kept up her momentum that night. Two sacrifice bunts and a double in a winning effort against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday put the Aztecs in scoring position, the first bunt leading to the game-tying run. Macario credits her recovery process for her performance.
“It was honestly grueling and tough and a lot of hard days, but at the end of (the day) it just brought me a new outlook on softball and a whole new sense of gratitude for the game, because that can get taken away from you at any point,” Macario said.
That attitude and grit are consistent with head coach Stacy Nuveman-Deniz’s mindset for her team. After the Aztecs struggled against the RedHawks, changes were needed to close out with a 4-3 walk-off win against the Wildcats.
“That’s what good teams do. They can figure out how to make adjustments when they need to,” Nuveman-Deniz said.
The Aztecs were ranked third in the annual preseason poll by the same coaches who gave Macario All-Conference honors.
“That was fueling for sure. We’re a top-name program, and we’ve beat some very good teams, especially tonight (against Kentucky). I think that sets the tone for whatever’s coming up, and I’m excited,” Macario said.
For Macario, the main goal for her senior season isn’t just personal success; it’s building the team for after she leaves.
“Personally, I want to be a part of the 200 hit club. But overall, I just want us to develop these young girls and show everyone what it’s like to play at SDSU,” Macario said.
