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The Utes are back in action this weekend at the Seminole Invitational Tournament.
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March 4, 2003
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At The Plate
The Utes travel across the country to the Sunshine State as they compete in the Seminole Invitational Tournament, March 7-9. Hosted by Florida State, the tournament will put the Utes against Florida International and No. 15 Michigan on Friday. Utah wraps up regular play against Providence on Saturday before beginning bracket play later that day. Bracket play will continue through Sunday. Besides Michigan, there are three other teams ranked in the NFCA/USA Today Top 25. No. 19 Texas A&M, No. 11 Florida State and No. 3 Nebraska will also be in Tallahassee, Fla.
Washed Away
Utah was set to host its own tournament, the Red Desert Classic, Feb. 28-March 2, but a week-long rain put an end to that as the tournament was canceled.
Recapping The Last Outing
Utah continued its trend two weeks ago at the Softball by the Beach Tournament in Santa Barbara, Calif., by going 2-3 overall. It was the third tourney in a row Utah posted the same record. The Utes began the weekend with an 8-3 victory over San Diego. Jen Pursell threw a complete game, allowing no earned runs, while Glennis Donnelly knocked a home run. Game two and three saw Utah get blanked by Cal Poly (4-0) and Iowa State (2-0). Utah dropped its third straight with a 6-3 loss to Kansas. Determined to end on a good note, Pursell left off where she started by grabbing the win in a complete-game shutout over Cal State Northridge (1-0).
On Deck
Utah begins a week-long spring break road swing as it travels to California. The Utes begin the trek with a double header at San Jose on March 17 and then move on to Stockton for battles against Illinois-Chicago and Pacific on March 18. The team concludes the trip at the Capital Classic in Sacramento with five games, March 20-23. Utah faces No. 4 Washington on March 22. Last season, the Utes fell 4-1 to the Huskies in the Red Desert Classic.
Quoting Stevens
"I am really pleased with our defense, it's really starting to come along. I know one of our strengths is going to be hitting, we just haven't broken out of the gates offensively yet."
Quoting Stevens
"I am really pleased with our defense, it's really starting to come along. I know one of our strengths is going to be hitting, we just haven't broken out of the gates offensively yet."
"We're really looking foward to this weekend's games because we've been working hard on turning the corner with our offense and having a powerful presence at the plate. This is our chance to take a step forward offensivley. In the past, we've always played well in Tallahassee."
Ups And Downs
Stranded--The Utes have left 109 runners on base in 15 games. That's an average of just over seven runners per game and the Utes have lost six of their nine games by three runs or less. Robbery--Utah has succeeded on 17-of-19 steal attempts this season.
Top Opponent Turbulence
Utah has posted a 1-5 record against ranked opponents this season. The sole win came against No. 13 Arizona State at the Sun Devils own tournament on Feb. 9. The Utes battle No. 15 Michigan at the Seminole Invitational Tournament this weekend and will challenge No. 4 Washington the following weekend in Sacramento, Calif.
Road Trip
Utah will take eight road trips, including one to St. George, Utah, to host its own tournament, before hosting Southern Utah on March 27 at Ute Field. The advantage of traveling is the chance to play several ranked opponents before opening the conference season.
JP's 180 Turn
Jen Pursell began the season with a 6.35 ERA in her first three appearances, which included a 1-2 record. Pursell allowed 13 runs (eight earned) in 11.1 innings of work. Since then, the senior has posted a 1.54 ERA in her last five outings, while giving up 11 runs (six earned) in 35.0 innings.
Jack(ie)-of-all-Trades
Freshman Jackie Wong has stepped up her game for the Utes. Wong had a bumpy start to her collegiate career, struggling at the plate and in the field. The California native averaged a mere .148 at the plate to go with seven errors in the field in her first eight games. But, in her last seven games Wong has posted a .292 average, while committing just one error.
Head Coach Mona Stevens is in her seventh season at the helm of the Utah softball program. Stevens, a well-known coach at the collegiate, national and international levels, has a 223-159-1 overall college record. The Provo, Utah, native is currently serving as President of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. In her spare time, Stevens enjoys performing with her band, the Sister Wives.
MWC Honors
Player of the Week Pitcher of the Week Lynsey Wall Feb. 11 Heather Bowlin Feb. 11 Jen Pursell Feb. 25
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