ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict softball team returns to action this weekend for four games in Rochester, Minn., at the RCTC Dome as part of the Luther Dome Games. Softball is hoping to keep its strong start going after defeating Crown College 21-1 and 15-1 in two five-inning games last weekend.
About Carroll
Saint Benedict opens play against Carroll on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. CSB will be the Pioneers' first opponent of the season, after Carroll finished their 2017 season with a 15-21 overall record. The Pioneers were picked to finish fifth in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW). Carroll brings back sophomore pitcher Amanda Osterhus, who was voted CCIW's Newcomer of the Year last season after throwing 75 strikeouts in nine conference appearances.
About UW-La Crosse
The Eagles open 2018 play against Gustavus in the 5 p.m. game on Feb. 24 before facing CSB at 7 p.m. The Eagles had a strong 2017, finishing 30-16 overall, recording the program's 10
th straight year of 20-plus victories. The Eagles went deep into the postseason in 2017, falling to UW-Oshkosh in the NCAA Regional Championship game. The Eagles return both of their NFCA All-Region selections in senior outfielder Brittany Baldwin and sophomore outfielder Stephanie Cole. Cole led her team in hits last spring with 61, while Baldwin finished close behind with 58.
About Nebraska Wesleyan
CSB opens the second day of action against the Prairie Wolves with a 1 p.m. game on Feb. 25. NWU was slated to finish seventh in the IIAC this season after posting an 18-18 record in 2017. Head coach Mary Yori returns two starting pitchers and 10 letter winners from last season. NWU opens their season at the tournament, facing three MIAC opponents in four days, playing St. Catherine and Gustavus as well as CSB.
About UW-Eau Claire
Saint Benedict closes out weekend play with a 3 p.m. first pitch slated against UW-Eau Claire on Feb. 25. The Blugolds will do a bit of rebuilding this season after losing seven starters to graduation last spring. Among those graduating, were there two NFCA All-Region team members, Evie Schaller and Lauren Blascyzk. The seniors led the Blugolds to a 27-9 regular season record and an 8-6 WIAC record.
Who to Watch
CSB's bats got hot early in the season, with the team posting 38 runs in the first two games of the year against Crown. Thirteen different players had at least one hit in the doubleheader to get the team off to a strong start. Sophomore
Olivia Olson hit a three-run homer in the second inning of the team's 21-1 win after junior
Kate Deming had a three-run triple. Senior
Megan Toninato also registered a triple along with Deming and Olson in the game. Toninato finished the weekend 6-for-7 at the plate.
The Storyline
This weekend's action is the final tune up before CSB heads to Arizona over spring break to play 10 games in the Tuscon Invitational. CSB will compete against top teams at the tournament, including Trine, which finished in the eighth position of the final NFCA Coaches' Poll. Coe and Moravian, who both ended the season receiving votes in the poll, will also face off against Saint Benedict.
