ELLENSBURG, Wash – Central Washington Baseball Opens their season against the University of British Columbia on Saturday at Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham, Washington. This is the first matchup between the schools since 2002.

QUOTING HEAD COACH DESI STOREY
"The guys are super exited to get the season going, they've been working diligently to be ready and are ready to get outside and play. These guys have had a very productive Fall and have shown good maturity as far as what we need to accomplish, our expectation is to compete for a championship, and I believe we have that." 

THE 'CATS
Last season, the 'Cats finished 22-29 overall and 16-15 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. Central Washington made it into the GNAC tournament but lost both games in the first round, 8-5 to Northwest Nazarene and 5-4 against Western Oregon.

Central Washington returns standout catcher Austin Ohland. Last year, Ohland hit .242, with 43 hits, 10 doubles, and a triple. He led the team, hitting eight home runs and tacked on 34 RBIs. Ohland's strong season earned him his third straight First Team All-Conference selection as well as NCBWA D2 All-West Region Honorable Mention.

THE THUNDERBIRDS
British Columbia went 35-21 overall and 16-8 in Cascade Collegiate Conference Play. The Thunderbirds beat Oregon Tech 11-7 in the CCC finals to win their first CCC Championship.

UBC's Aaron Marsh returns to the lineup this year. Last season he led the Thunderbirds hitting .377 with 77 hits, 17 doubles, and three triples. Aaron led the team with 11 home runs and accounted for 47 RBIs.

MATCHUP HISTORY
British Columbia is 11-7 all time against Central Washington. The 'Cats last win over the Thunderbirds came on April 1^st, 2001, where CWU won 8-7.

ON DECK
Central Washington travels to San Bernardino, California for a series against Cal State San Bernardino.