Lopez’s offseason prep translating to success on the diamond for Jaguars

UHV senior Kaylle Lopez had big plans for the 2024 season months before the Jaguars even opened practice.

The Sinton native, who was a member of UHV's NAIA Softball World Series run in 2021, wanted to do everything she could so her team could make a push for another trip to the pinnacle of the sport.

Through 16 games, Lopez is hitting a mind-boggling .520 with 31 RBIs, a mark which leads the NAIA and ranks 21st between the NCAA and NAIA. She is on pace to tie or break Marley Moehrig's single-season RBI record of 78 set in 2013.

"I didn't play last season, so I had to work harder than I've ever worked," Lopez said. "There was a lot of extra practice. Even though I was hitting .500 most of the season, I felt like I was struggling. I was struggling hitting a specific pitch."

The shortstop wanted to get better at recognizing the screwball going into last week's games against Xavier (La.) and Louisiana Christian.

She went on to go 7-for-13 at the plate with eight RBIs and her first three home runs of the season. Lopez delivered the exclamation mark in a 7-0 Game 2 win against Louisiana Christian on Sunday with a three-run home run.

Lopez was named Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Week on Monday for the second time this season.

She's currently on a six-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 15 of the team's 16 games this season. Her batting average currently leads the RRAC as the Jaguars (12-4, 6-0) get set to face Doane (7-8) in a home non-conference doubleheader on Thursday.

UHV Softball vs. Doane (Neb.), Thursday, March 14: Buy Tickets Now!

"She has brought so much to this program since the day she got here," UHV head coach Lindsey Ortiz said of Lopez. "She's incredibly versatile. She just has a different mindset and I think she elevates everyone around her. I knew she was this good, but seeing her execute at this level is awesome."

Lopez doesn't want to take all of the credit, though.

The Jaguars have done a phenomenal job setting the table for the senior in the top third of the lineup. Madysin Leighton and Kenzie Chambers hold on-base percentages of .484 and .509, respectively, batting first and second.

What's more, the duo has stolen 18 bases each, allowing Lopez more opportunities to hit with runners in scoring position.

In RBI opportunities this season, Lopez is 16-for-32. She's also been UHV's most clutch hitter, going 10-for-18 with two outs.

"I think the team is very hungry," Lopez said. "I was on the World Series team. I see both teams and I think we're just as talented, and I think we can definitely do it again. It doesn't matter who we play, we always feel like we can win. We always have a mindset that we're not out of any game."

Lopez's performance at the plate has been contagious, too.

Leighton, Chambers, Sarah Cortez and Claire Blinka are all hitting above .400. Jayce Bolin and Allison Snedeker are hitting .325 and .321 respectively.

UHV's team batting average of .327 ranks second in the conference behind No. 1-nationally ranked Our Lady of the Lake and 12th in the NAIA.

"Hitting is contagious and I think (Kaylle's) mindset is contagious, too," Ortiz said. "The way she goes up there and battles every at-bat, I think our team wants to emulate that. So it's huge."