If you're looking for the hottest ticket in New Mexico high school sports this week, look no further than the state softball championships at UNM. The action kicks off Saturday with a doubleheader that promises fireworks—literally.

In Class 4A, top-seeded Artesia takes on No. 2 Aztec at 10 a.m., with a potential Game 2 at 2 p.m. if needed. But all eyes will be on the Class 5A showdown at noon, where No. 1 Mayfield faces No. 10 Las Cruces High in a rematch that could decide the title.

Here's what makes Mayfield's run so special: these Trojans aren't just winning—they're rewriting the record books. With 95 home runs this season, they've shattered previous state marks and are chasing a national record. To put that in perspective, a dozen Wilson A9011 leather polycore softballs costs $124.99, and Mayfield has made those shiny neon yellow balls disappear over fences all year long.

"Our home run hitting is contagious," said junior Jayleen Ponce, who went 4-for-4 with two solo shots in Friday's 12-3 semifinal win over Las Cruces. Ponce now has 18 homers on the season, tying teammate Ausaundra Roberto (17) and senior Dallas Bencomo (16) in a lineup that features six players with double-digit dingers.

The power surge isn't limited to the veterans. Sophomore Genesis Angel crushed her 15th home run in the semifinal, and freshman Audriana Guillen—tired of being the only regular without one—launched a grand slam for her first career homer. That's the kind of depth that makes a championship run possible.

Coach Daniel Dominguez says the team has been told West Las Vegas once hit 64 homers in a season, and the NFHS state record was 59 by Carlsbad in 2023. Mayfield had 56 last year. This year's 95 is approaching the national mark of 105 set by North Desoto High in Louisiana in 2022.

But here's the thing: Mayfield isn't just chasing numbers. They're chasing history. The Trojans have never won a state softball championship, and Saturday's series against Las Cruces High is their best shot. With a lineup that can turn any game into a home run derby, they're one series away from completing a season for the ages.