ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict softball team is preparing to host its first 'home' game of the season – though it won't be on the new CSB softball field. Due to an unrelenting winter, CSB will play in the SJU dome on Saturday when it hosts Concordia for a MIAC doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.
 
About Concordia
The Cobbers have been struggling as of late and enter the series with CSB on a seven-game skid. Concordia is 4-14 overall on the season and is looking to rebound from opening its MIAC schedule with losses to Macalester and Bethel last weekend. Sophomore Elizabeth Asp is the only Cobber to start all 18 games this season, and leads the Concordia offense with eight runs and nine RBIs. Senior outfielder Kayla Nack has hit four extra-base hits, while Asp has hit three doubles, along with junior Madi Veith. As a team, Concordia has had 61 runs come across home base and has hit 15 extra-base hits and three triples.
 
Last Year
CSB had a very strong showing against the Cobbers last season, dominating a doubleheader in early April to open MIAC play. CSB won the first game 11-3 in six innings and won game two 20-2 in five innings. In game one, Emilie Antony and Alex Smith gave Saint Benedict an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, before Antony, Sara Wennerstrand, and Karlee Pfaff added runs to send CSB ahead 5-0 in the second inning where they'd never look back. In the second game, CSB scored five quick runs in the second inning en route to 10 players having hits and seven bringing in at least one run.
 
Who to Watch
Senior Megan Toninato, who was recently named the CSB Student Employee of the Year, has been a human highlight reel for CSB on the diamond this season. Toninato has started all 20 games for CSB this season and has had the hot bat, leading the team in hits with 32. Her .438 batting average leads the starting core for CSB, and her 20 runs are second on the team. Kate Deming leads the team across home plate with 28 runs, while Wennerstrand leads the team in homeruns with three.
 
The Storyline
CSB finally got to play outside in Minnesota on April 11 when a pocket of good weather allowed the team to play its doubleheader against Gustavus in St. Peter. The team seemed to enjoy getting back outside as it outscored the Gusties 13-2 in the twinbill, shutting out its opponent 5-0 in game one, and holding strong with an 8-2 win in game two. The wins moved CSB's overall record to 15-5, and leveled its MIAC record at 2-2.

CSB is scheduled to play again right away Sunday, April 15, against Saint Mary's at the Rochester Dome. That game is pending weather and travel conditions.