ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University softball team hosts the University of British Columbia for the Wildcats' home opener.
QUOTABLE
"We're excited to open our home portion of the schedule as we welcome The University of British Columbia on Sunday," CWU Head Coach
Joe DiPietro said. "It's important to build on our experience from our Arizona trip and compete for wins as we look to improve on some things we were deficient in. Being outside this week has been a plus for us instead of being inside. We're looking for a great Sunday of Wildcat softball!"
SCOUTING THE THUNDERBIRDS
The University of British Columbia did not play in 2021 and played just 13 games in 2020, posting a record of 3-10. In the Thunderbirds' last full season (2019), UBC finished 12-27 with an 8-18 mark in Cascade play.
Olivia Malesku returns behind the plate for the Thunderbirds. In 13 games during the 2020 season Malesku hit .448 and drove in seven runs. UBC hit .323 as a team in 2020. The Thunderbirds clubbed six home runs and scored 20 runs.
Shelby Kempel will toe the rubber again this season for UBC. She posted a 2-1 record in nine appearances, three starts last season. She held opposing hitters to an average of .270 and allowed just one home run over 30.2 innings of work. She finished with an ERA of 4.11 and WHIP of 1.73. The Thunderbirds held a team ERA of 5.42 and a WHIP of 2.10, opponents hit .297 against the Thunderbirds.
THE WILDCATS
Central went 1-4 in the Desert Stinger, hosted by Montana State Billings in Tucson, AZ. The 'Cats lone win came in a 1-0 affair against the Academy of Art.
Allie Thiessen leads the Wildcats' offense after going 7-for-16 in Tucson. She roped a pair of extra base hits and drove in four.
Harlee Carpenter posted a 5-for-15 mark and drove in three.
Karsyn Decker went 6-for-18, scored four runs, and swiped a pair of bases at the Desert Stinger. The Crimson and Black hit just 243 as a team and drove in 11 runs.
In the circle,
Rhaney Harris posted a 2.75 ERA over 20.1 innings of work. She struck out 11 hitters in Tucson and allowed eight earned runs in three starts.
Isabel Womack made a pair of appearances at the Stinger. In 7.1 innings, she went 1-0, struck out nine, tossed a three-hit complete game, and held opposing hitters to an average of .125. As a unit, the Wildcats' pitching staff posted an ERA of 3.23, a WHIP of 1.59, and a batting average against of .319.
COVID FAN POLICY
Masks are required for all unvaccinated spectators. Fans are encouraged to enter the field through the open walkway on the first base side from parking lot V-18.
