Jags welcome LCU, Xavier (La.) to town; host Senior Day on Saturday

This weekend will be special for the UHV softball team.

It's the final full home weekend for the Jaguars with doubleheaders against Louisiana Christian on Friday and Xavier (La.) on Saturday.

Saturday's twinbill with the Gold Nuggets is also Senior Day where the Jaguars will recognize seniors Claire Blinka, Celeste Lara, Kenzie Chambers, Allison Snedeker, Jordan Jones, Jayce Bolin, Hope Quinones, Alexi Wade and VeJeigh Zamora.

"We've talked about this senior group all year and they're just a great group," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "They're a big part of why our culture is where it is. I love all of them from the bottom of my heart and I'm so thankful for everything they've brought during their time here. It's always great to get the opportunity to celebrate that out loud in front of everybody."

UHV (19-19, 11-9) is also looking to close the regular season strong with just two weeks left in the regular season.

The Jaguars are trying to snap a six-game losing streak after losses to No. 10 Our Lady of the Lake on Tuesday, 13-0 and 10-2. Claire Blinka and Daizie Fuentez each homered in Game 2 against the Saints. It was Fuentez's first home run as a Jaguar.

Ortiz says now is the time for the Jaguars to find their form with the conference tournament three weeks away.

"We've had some missed opportunities throughout the season," Ortiz said. "But I've still continued to see exciting things even in series that didn't go our way. I've seen them put it together and know what the potential of this group is, so the messaging has not changed."

Friday's clash with the Wildcats (20-18, 9-11) will be a rematch from an elimination game at last year's Red River Athletic Conference tournament in which the Jaguars won on a walk-off.

Xavier (12-16, 8-14) is vying for a spot in next month's conference tournament in a tie with Jarvis Christian for the final two spots in the tournament.

"I think we match up well," Ortiz said. "Our conference is a really strong one. When you're talking about the middle seeds being able to compete with three Top 25 teams, that's super competitive softball. As we look at the tournament seeding and things, these games are big time. I don't want to call them must wins, but these are impactful and need to be played that way."

Friday is also Mentor Day. Prior to the game, students from Hopkins Elementary who participate in UHV softball's Mentor Program, will be recognized.