So far, the biggest upside to Big West Softball has been Pacific, who has the only winning record in the conference at 10-8 (beat SJSU today 6-0). Pacific also, as of today's rankings, has started receiving votes for both top 25 rankings. Field Player of the Week, Catcher Nicole Matson, has been a monster at the plate, raking in 16 RBIs (leads BWC) and 5 HRs (2nd in BWC). The Tigers' Amy Moore has also made Great Britain's National Softball Team and will join the team after the season is over. This is quite an accomplishment as she will become the first player in Tigers history to make the active roster of a national team. Pacific will finish up the week at the Diamond Devil Invitational, where one of their matches will be against No. 5 ranked Arizona.
Cal State Fullerton came into the week with a record of 9-12 (they are playing East Carolina right now) and have been an offensive machine, leading the Big West as a team in batting average (.284), runs scored (91) and OBP (.362). The Cathedral City Classic was not kind to the Titans though, as they went 1-4 , winning their only match versus Boise State. They have an opportunity to get back to .500 in the Mayfair Tournament this weekend, where they are shared hosts along with LBSU. This should give them a much needed "home field advantage" in which to intensify the atmosphere.
Cal Poly has recently been on a hot streak lately, winning 4 of the last 6 matches. The Mustangs' Pitcher Rebecca Patton, won Player of the Week honors for her spectacular play last week, posting a 0.79 ERA, with 14 K's and 5 walks. Cal Poly travels this weekend to Palo Alto for the Louisville Slugger Classic, where they have a difficult schedule this weekend, playing Ole Miss, Colorado State, James Madison, San Jose State and No. 10 hosts Stanford. This weekend will be considered a great success if the Mustangs can go 3-2.
UC Riverside has also been on a hot streak lately winning 5 of the last 7 (including today's win against St. Joseph's). Alexis Pickett has been automatic this year batting .389, slugging .481 and an OBP of .459. She also has collected 11 RBIs without any HR's. The Highlanders play Eastern Kentucky in a double header tomorrow before hosting the Amy S. Harrison Classic. Being at home should give UCR a continued advantage, and that might bring them to .500 at the end of the weekend.
UCSB has been on a recent losing streak and hopes to turn that around this weekend at the SCU Invitational. Their season has been defined this year by streaks, a long losing streak followed by a winning streak followed by another losing streak. Can UCSB get on a winning this weekend? It'll be doable with matches against St Mary's (4-9), Santa Clara (3-16) and SJSU (10-12) and with a strong showing, the Gauchos will be prepared for their second home tournament of the season.
LBSU has been another team who has been in a rough bit recently, winning only one of their last 11 games. The bright spot is that the 49ers host their tournament this week. For these wins to start rolling off again, Ashlynn Booker has to continue her hot season (.340 BA, 4 HR, 12 RBI). If not, LBSU will have a hard time getting a win streak going.
UCD looks to turn around their ways, however it won't be easy. They play No. 1 ranked California tomorrow before heading home to host the Aggie Stampede II. The good news is, that they play Idaho State (3-13) three times and Sacramento State (8-8) twice. Look for the Aggies to go 3-2 or 4-1 this weekend and get back on the winning track.
Cal State Northridge has gotten back on track a little bit after starting out the season 1-15. Their last 4 games they've gone 3-1 and return home this weekend to host the Northridge Classic. All their matches have been on neutral fields and so a home tournament might help the Matadors. For this to happen though, the team must bat better than a pitiful .190 average. Mikayla Thielges should be able to provide some inspiration through her bat (.286, 6 HR, 13 RBI). If she can rile up the troops, then the Matadors should have an excellent weekend this weekend.
Who do you think looks to be in the best shape in the last couple weeks before heading into conference play? Leave your comments below.
No comments:
Post a Comment