The CSU softball team travels to Reno this weekend for a three game series against MW opponent Nevada. The Rams (17-17, 0-3MW) move ahead in conference by taking two out of the three games against the WolfPack 24-18, 2-4MW) at UNR’s Hixson Softball Park.
In order to accomplish this goal and defeat the top hitting home-run and double team in the conference, CSU will need to tighten down the gaps on defense and swing the bats confidently and patiently.
“We need to be picky without pitches and draw the walks when needed,” Coach Jen Fisher said. “It would be nice to have our hits hurt the other teams more … be picky with the pitches we swing at.”
“Hitting is the hardest thing to do in sports,” Fisher said. “We just gotta get in the habit of putting the ball in play and getting on base.”
Losing a six game win streak last weekend against No. 9 Texas A&M, CSU failed to bring back a single win to Ram Country. Evening out their record at .500, the Rams are looking to overcome a tough last weekend.
The Rams are not moving into this weekend of MW play with the motivation they had in earlier match-ups. Working this past week in practice on their mental stance at the plate. The CSU softball team hopes their work will pay off, and bring them back on an offensive drive.
Although the Rams need to bring a spark to their offense, the CSU defense has played a key role in their success all season long. This weekend will test CSU and how they can react to another strong offensive drive.
Junior second basemen for Nevada, Karley Hopkins, leads the WolfPack offense with 12 doubles and one home-run. Batting .371, Hopkins has recorded 37 runs and has scored 21 RBI’s this season.
“It is important to keep their runners off the bases,” Fisher said. “They are not a big bunting team … they rely on the long balls.”
A sweep in Reno will put CSU at first in the Mountain West Conference above San Diego State who are 5-1. Suffering their first loss against Nevada last weekend, the Aztecs are the only other team in the league with a winning record.
CSU ended last years season in MW play with a impressive six game win streak to close out the 2012 season. The Rams are on their way to their best season yet, all that stands in their way this weekend is the WolfPack.
“We just try and go out and win games,” Fisher said. “They are going to be tough.”
For live video streaming and stats during this weekend’s play in Reno, visit NevadaWolfPack.com.
Softball Beat Reporter Haleigh Hamblin can be reached at sports@collegian.com
