Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 LAS VEGAS, Nev (Feb. 7) -- The Central Washington University softball team begins its 2014 campaign with a 3-1 win over Chadron State followed by a 10-3 win over UC-Colorado Springs in its first two games of the MSUB Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. Friday evening.

Central Washington opens its season with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2004.

In game one, Chadron State scored first in the top half of the second inning, but their lead was short lived as the Wildcats scored one run in the second, third and fourth innings to take a 3-1 lead.

That's all the cushion starting pitcher and true freshman KIANA WOOD (Aloha, OR/Aloha HS) would need as she held Eagles bats in check.  Although giving up eight hits, she walked just one batter and struck out four for the complete game victory.

With the Wildcats up 2-1 in the fourth inning, senior JILL MCDANIELS (Walla Walla HS) gave CWU some insurance with a big leadoff home run.  McDaniels led the GNAC with 10 home runs last season.

Central Washington carried its momentum into the second game of the day.  The offense stole the show in game two as the Wildcats blasted two round-trippers en route to the 10-3 victory over UC-Colorado Springs.  McDaniels added her second of the day and true freshman ALYSSA EGAN (Monroe HS) had a pinch hit homerun, both of which came in the fifth inning where the 'Cats scored four runs.

Game-two starting pitcher MARIA GAU (Woodinville HS) – the GNAC's returning ERA leader – had a solid outing holding the Mountain Lions to just three runs on four hits while striking out six batters.

McDaniels and freshman SAMMY MORRIS (Bothell HS) both totaled 3 RBI on the day.  Sophomore Michaela Hazlet (Purcell, OK/Purcell HS) had a big impact going 2 for 4 with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored.

The Wildcats were successfully aggressive on the base paths Friday going a perfect 4 for 4 in stolen base attempts.  Morris and freshman TAYLOR FERLEMAN  (Lake Washington HS) both swiped a base on the day, and senior JORDAN ZURFLUH (Adna) took advantage of two pinch running opportunities stealing two bases, one in each game.

The Wildcats will play three more games in Las Vegas, two tomorrow (Feb. 8) starting with a 4:30 p.m. matchup with Cal State San Bernardino followed by a 7 p.m. game with Minot State.