With four of the nation's top- five teams and seven teams ranked in the top 16, the Pac-10 conference dominates softball. Luckily, the ASU softball team doesn't have to worry about conference play until April.
Right now, it only has to focus on containing one of last season's top offenses.
ASU hosts the University of Texas-San Antonio for three games this weekend at Farrington Stadium. Friday and Saturday's games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The first pitch for Sunday's series finale will be thrown at 1 p.m.
They are the first games of the season for both teams.
"We had an off-season last year, so it's really important for us to jump into it and win all three games," sophomore catcher Heidi Knabe said. "We're just eager to go out there and show everyone what we have this year."
To get the sweep, ASU will have to shut down UT-San Antonio's experienced offense. The Roadrunners return eight position starters and all three pitchers from its 37-17 team that qualified for the NCAA tournament last season.
The reigning Southland Conference champions, UT-San Antonio led the nation with 101 home runs last year, averaging an NCAA record 1.87 home runs per game. The Roadrunners were also fourth in the country in runs scored, averaging 6.09 per game.
ASU coach Linda Wells said you couldn't compare statistics across conferences.
"I'd like to see their home run percentage if they were playing in the Pac-10," said Wells. "I don't think it creates a fear, but obviously you have to respect that ability to put the ball out of the park."
Junior pitcher Ashley Werschky said the team was more than ready to get on the field.
"We've practiced enough, we've gone through everything," she said. "I think we're ready to go. We're well prepared. Right now we just want to go out there and start winning."
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.
