This Week: It may not look like it outside but spring has sprung and softball season is upon us. The Blazers open the 2014 season today (Feb. 14), hosting Wisconsin-Stout at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Cloud State Husky Dome. It will a Friday night doubleheader, and will mark the season opener for both teams.
 
About the Blue Devils: UW-Stout went 23-13 last season and 9-7 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play to place fourth. Their season ended in the second game of the WIAC tournament. Taylor Workman led the way, earning All-Region Honors after hitting .363 with 33 runs batted in and five home runs. Sam Hastings joined her on the All-WIAC team. Fortunately for the Blue Devils each return in 2014.
 
The Storyline: Which team can get the season started on the right foot? Heading into head coach Rachael Click's second season, the Blazers look to take a step forward. They're coming off a 20-18 campaign which included a big upset win over Gustavus in the final game of the regular season.
 
Who to Watch: Kim Lidstone was named the MIAC's Rookie of the Year last season and landed on the All-Region Second Team after batting .428 with 62 hits and 39 runs scored, Lexi Alm joined her on the all All-Region team after hitting .374 with a team best seven home runs. Rachel Nelson was an All-MIAC Honorable Mention honoree after going 11-1 with 101 strike outs and a 3.28 ERA.
 
Last Time Out: The Blazers closed last season with a heartbreaking exit from the MIAC Tournament. After opening with an 8-5 win over Augsburg, and win over Bethel would have moved the Blazers on the four-team double-elimination round. With the Blazers leading 5-4 in the seventh inning, Bethel slammed a three-run walk off homer for a 7-5 win to advance.