By Sara Biela (@sarabielaa):
San Jose State softball will look to keep its offensive and pitching momentum rolling into the Marucci Desert Classic in Las Vegas.
The Spartans recorded three complete games and 46 runs last weekend in the Kajikawa Classic, dominating their way to a 4-1 start.
SJSU will start off the tournament facing the Idaho State, which would be mark the Bengalss first game of the season.
Junior outfielder Haley Harrison returns as the team’s top hitter as she hit .346 last season. Senior Pitcher Ashley Ames remains the team’s top pitcher with a 3.60 ERA.
First pitch is set for 9:00 a.m Friday morning. SJSU leads the all-time series (6-1).
The second game of Friday’s double-header is against a familiar opponent, the South Dakota Coyotes.
The Coyotes (0-6) were winless in the Kajikawa Classic last weekend, which included a 16-12 loss to the Spartans.
Five of USD’s starters are batting over .300, with senior right fielder Taylor Steinfeldt leading the way at .500. Junior second baseman Alyssa Fernandez is the team’s home run leader at four.
However, USD is struggling in the circle. Freshman pitcher Alexis Devers (0-3) posts the team’s lowest ERA at 8.40. Game starts at 11:15 a.m.
The Spartans will face the Bradley Braves (3-2) on Saturday for their third game of the tournament.
Senior third baseman Maria Schroeder leads the team with six hits and four RBIs. Sophomore catcher Kealia Wysocki has the team’s lone home run in five games.
Junior pitcher Julie Kestas is 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA, which is leading among starters.
First pitch is set for 11:15 a.m. The all-time series is tied at one apiece, with SJSU winning the previous meeting 8-4 in 2014.
The Saturday double-header continues with the Florida International Panthers.
The Panthers (2-4) finished last season with an impressing 44-12 record, and made an appearance in the NCAA postseason.
FIU’s player to look out for is pitcher Shannon Saile. The sophomore is 2-1, with three complete games and 40 strikeouts in 22 innings.
Junior centerfielder Jackie Schoff is batting .500 and leads the team with nine hits.
SJSU and FIU have only met once before in 2008, with a 2-1 victory for the Spartans. Game starts at 1:30 p.m.
In the final game of the tournament, the Spartans will conclude with the Iowa State Cyclones.
Sophomore first baseman Tayln Lewis leads the team with a .444 BA, whereas sophomore shortstop Sami Williams leads the team with five RBIs.
Senior Brianna Weilbacher and junior Emma Hylen shine in the circle, posting 3.00 and 3.23 ERAs, respectively.
First pitch is set for 11:15 a.m. The Spartans hold a 3-0 all-time series lead over the Cyclones, which includes a 4-1 win in last year’s UC Davis Tournament.
SJSU will face tough competition throughout the weekend. If the team can execute, they’ll be seen as fierce competition down the road.
The results of the tournament will give a clear picture of the direction the team is headed in.