Lady Hogs look forward to Arkansas
The Javelina Softball team played Ouachita Baptist University, Hillsdale College, and Henderson State University, outscoring their opponents with a total of 50 runs and only giving up two runs at the Portland Tournament.
The Javelinas blasted nine home runs by Kayla Gonzales, Natalie Rodriguez, Matisen Onofrei, Jennifer Giesey, Kytana Muniz and Kaylee Dietrich. They finished the tournament strong with 63 hits total, while managing to only give up 13 hits.
Saidi Castillo earned National Pitcher of the Week by pitching two shutouts and 17 strikeouts.
“It feels really good, I feel very accomplished,” Castillo said. “I’m extremely honored and grateful.”
Castillo has experience pitching in big games as she was a part of the 2019 College World Series team during which she spent a lot of time in the circle. Before stepping on the mound, Castillo prepares herself with a positive mindset.
“I just want to hit my spots and not walk anyone,” she said.
Dietrich is in her first year as a Javelina after transferring from Grand Canyon University. Considering this is her first and last year with the Javelinas, she has grown to be an asset to the team.
“What I really love about this team is that everything is so team oriented,” Dietrich said. “I think we really learned that our player 1- 9 line up can really do a lot of damage in a way that everybody that comes up, we’re all confident that they’re going to get a hit.”
Head coach Craig Nicholson was satisfied with the outcome of this past tournament.
“Our offense was really good, we had some really great performances in the circle,” Nicholson said.
The Javelinas have been working to prepare for conference coming up soon.
“I think we still have a little ways to go, the biggest thing is that we just have to understand that when you get in a conference it’s a different animal,” Nicholson said.
The Javelina Softball team will be traveling to Arkansas on Friday, Feb. 11, for a five-day trip, during which they will be facing Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist again, along with Christian Brothers University, Midwestern State University and Southern Arkansas.