Redhawks Open Conference Play at New Mexico State: Seattle University softball (11-20) defeated Northwest University, 7-0, in their first home game of the 2014 season after opening up the year with their first 30 games on the road. The Redhawks now set their sights on New Mexico State (18-15), who was picked to win the conference title in a preseason vote of the league’s head coaches. A link to live stats and available live video is on the softball schedule page at GoSeattleU.com.
Scouting New Mexico State (18-15): The Aggies most recently topped UTEP, 14-3, in five innings on Tuesday, Mar. 25, but lost their previous four games, including vs. in-state rival New Mexico, 4-3, on Wednesday, Mar. 19. Picked by the league’s head coaches to win the conference title prior to the season, NMSU is led at the plate by last season’s WAC Player of the Year Staci Rodriguez (.435), who also adds six doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, and 33 RBIs. Rodriguez was also named to the NFCA All-Pacific Region First Team to end the 2013 season. In the circle, Makayla McAdams posts a team-high 3.80 ERA and a 6-3 win-loss record. As a team, the Aggies outhit their opponents, .300-.284 and outscore them, 170-152. Last season, NMSU made it to the WAC Tournament title game, falling to San Jose State, 4-0.
Nationally Ranked Redhawks: As a team, Seattle U ranks 72nd among all NCAA DI softball teams in doubles per game (1.33). Individually, Brianna Guerrero ranks 28th in doubles per game (0.38), Bubba Morrow ranks 65th in sac flies (2) and 98th in home runs (6), Jenny Hurst ranks 65th in sac flies (2), and Alyssa Reuble ranks 29th in saves (2).