Softball | 2/8/2017 4:30:00 PM
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University softball team is back on the road this week travelling to St. George, Utah to compete in five games over three days at the Dixie State University Easton Classic.
The Wildcats, who started the season 3-2 at the Desert Stinger last week, will look to improve upon their start before they open conference play next month.
Central opens the week on Feb. 9 against Colorado State-Pueblo and UC Colorado Springs, who will be playing their first games of the 2017 season.
"These two teams are going to come with a lot of energy and excitement as they start their season," CWU Head Coach
Mike Larabee said of his first two opponents. "We are going to see their best pitchers and we need to be ready to go and be up for the challenge.
On Friday, CWU takes on Western New Mexico (0-7) and St. Edwards University (3-3) at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively.
Central wraps up the tournament against Hawaii Hilo who is 5-2 on the season who also competed in the Desert Stinger, going 3-2 in Las Vegas.
"Our number one goal is to come down here and play excellent softball," Larabee said. "We need to sure up our defense a little bit, it was our Achilles heel in Las Vegas, and as for our lineup, this tournament will help us solidify a few positions as we get ready for conference play.
Jacie McDaniels was Central Washington's leading hitter in the five-game set to open the season, batting .500 (9 for 18) with three runs, 10 RBIs and three doubles. Also leading the way was
Savannah Egbert who hit .438 (7 for 16) with three runs and three RBIs.
"We have a big opportunity to improve ourselves this week," Larabee added. "We haven't got the chance to practice outdoors this winter, and we grow than most teams this time of year, so it is crucial to iron out any wrinkles we may have at this time."
Stat links for all the games at the Dixie State University Easton Classic can be found
HERE. Or you can go to Wildcatsports.com to find links for only CWU Softball.
