Sun Devil softball just finished the seven-game Kajikawa Classic, and they're still not done with long tournaments in short spans. On Friday, they'll begin the five-game Littlewood Classic.
Junior shortstop Chelsea Gonzales put up big numbers on offense last weekend, knocking home 12 RBIs. The one thing she has been focusing on during practice this week was being relaxed in the batter's box.
“I’ve been focusing on having a pre-pitch plan, and talking to Coach right before getting in the box,” Gonzales said.
The team had a day off before preparing for the next set of games.
“Physically, we’re all sore, but we had to take advantage of the day off by resting and taking ice baths,” Gonzales said.
They'll start against Michigan State.
Friday, Feb 19
ASU vs Michigan State - 6 p.m.
The Spartans have a 4-1 record after going 19-36 last year. Despite the fast start, the team has only scored a total of 16 runs this year after winning a pair of games by one run.
Junior first baseman Sarah Gutknecht has led the offense so far, hitting .467 in 15 at-bats. Redshirt sophomore Kristina Zalewski is the primary pitcher for MSU. She pitched 16 innings and has given up 14 hits.
ASU vs. Memphis - 8:15 p.m.
The Tigers won just one game in their opening tournament. They defeated Florida Gulf Coast University, who also has only one win.
The offense has scored 21 runs, but has given up 31 runs to opponents in five games. In comparison, ASU has scored 52 runs in its seven games and only allowed 13.
However, sophomore right-handed pitcher Molly Smith has had solid performances in the circle. In 23 innings, she has a 2.13 ERA and has given up 28 hits and 11 runs.
Junior first baseman Lindsey Stickrod leads the team in home runs (2) and RBIs, (9) while hitting .333.
Saturday, Feb 20
ASU vs. Illinois State - 6 p.m.
The last time Illinois State beat the Sun Devils was in the 2009-10 season, when the game went nine innings, and the Redbirds ended up winning 10-9. ASU will look look to add to its five-game winning streak on Saturday against an ISU team that started off slow, with a 1-4 record.
Junior catcher Jordan de los Reyes is leading the team across the board with a batting average of .400, two home runs and five RBIs, where he has knocked in five of the team's 10 total runs. Sophomore pitcher Sarah Finck leads the team in innings with 13.2 and holds a 6.66 ERA.
However, this has come against stiff competition. ISU played against No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Michigan, getting outscored 23-0 in those games.
ASU vs. Northern Iowa - 8:15 p.m.
Northern Iowa started off the season with a 4-2 record behind their strong offense. The Panthers have produced a total of 45 runs in the past six games. Senior outfielder Micalla Rettinger leads the team in batting average with a .421, and has a total of eight hits and six RBIs.
A pitcher is beating her in the RBI column. Senior Chelsea Ross has knocked in seven runs, and she also leads the team with two home runs.
Not only is Ross a big part of offense, she also plays an important role in the circle for the Panthers. Ross has pitched more innings than any other pitcher on the team (15.0) and has given up 16 hits and 10 runs.
Sunday, Feb 21
ASU vs. Montana - 1:30p.m.
ASU will finish the tournament against the Montana Grizzlies. The team is composed of lots of young talent — it only has two seniors, one of whom is a redshirt senior.
The Grizzlies started off the season with a 3-2 record. Sophomore infielder Gabby Martinez holds the highest batting average for the Grizzlies at .438, and also has seven hits and four RBIs. Montana’s offense has scored a total of 24 runs, giving up only 19 to opponents.
The primary pitcher for the Grizzlies is freshman pitcher Sara Stephenson, who threw 10 innings and gave up only six hits.
ASU will try to get back in the win column after losing the Kajikawa finale to Kentucky. Sophomore pitcher Breanna Macha says the Sun Devils can't underestimate anyone on their schedule.
“There’s a lot of hard preseason games during these tournament, but all together, we have to take these teams one at a time," she said.
Related Links:
Kajikawa Classic recap: ASU softball goes 6-1
ASU softball loses final game of Kajikawa Classic
Reach the reporter at lmbrunet@asu.edu or follow @Leah_brunette on Twitter.
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