Nevada Softball Team Clinches Mountain West Title After 14-Year Drought
For the first time since 2009, the Nevada Wolf Pack softball team has captured the Mountain West Conference title. The team triumphed over Colorado State, winning 7-3 at Hixson Park, marking a historic moment that ends a three-year title drought and brings home the program’s first championship since its WAC victory in 2009.
Predicted to finish fifth in the preseason Mountain West poll, the Wolf Pack exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Victoria Hayward, who was appointed by athletic director Stephanie Rempe. This season saw Nevada demonstrate impressive prowess, entering the Mountain West play with a strong 21-6 record and a top-40 RPI mark.
The Wolf Pack began their conference slate by defeating preseason favorites Boise State and San Diego State, before sweeping the series against Fresno State and UNLV. Continuing their winning streak, they concluded the conference season with a remarkable record of 16-4, creating a 2.5-game lead over San Diego State.
With an overall record of 38-12, Nevada secured at least a share of the Mountain West title. A win in their next game or a loss by San Diego State would ensure an outright championship. The program has shown dramatic improvement, soaring from 17 wins in 2022 to 31 in 2023 and now aiming for 40 in 2024.
This championship is not only a victory for the players and coaching staff but also a highlight for Rempe, who took charge in June 2023. With Thursday’s win ensuring the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Mountain West Tournament, the Wolf Pack will enjoy a first-round bye and aim to continue their winning momentum in the postseason. The tournament begins Wednesday, with Nevada poised to make a deep run.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
