Having won nine out of their last ten games, the Long Beach State softball team will look to build on its momentum as it makes the short trip to San Diego for the San Diego Classic II.
The 49ers’ (16-7) run of success has been carried by a deep, versatile offense and starting pitching that has rebounded nicely from some early season struggles. Over their last ten games, the 49ers have outscored opponents 62-21.
In the middle of their best stretch of the season, head coach Kim Sowder isn’t worried about her team losing focus.
“We have plenty of experience, fortunately, with this team that they know they can’t be complacent or else they won’t have success,” Sowder said.
“They’ve done a really good job and they’re ready to go. I think our experience and leadership has taken care of [complacency]. They know everyday they have to come to practice and get better, because if you’re not getting better you could be getting worse.”
The starting pitching, which was plagued by inconsistency early in the season, has produced four shutouts in the last ten games. Erin Jones-Wesley improved to 9-3 last Sunday, lowering her ERA to 2.99. Amanda Hansen has been a solid No. 2 starter for the 49ers, tossing four complete games in 11 starts.
The 49ers will have to lean heavily on their two starters now more than ever.
No. 3 and emergency starter Christian Carbajal has been rehabbing a hip injury the last six weeks, and Sowder isn’t sure who she’d turn to in case of another injury.
“We’re basically going with Erin [Jones-Wesley] and Amanda [Hansen] in the starting roles,” Sowder said. “We may get to a game where we start somebody else; it’ll depend who we’re playing and what we think is the best matchup.”
The 49ers will begin the tournament with a double-header Friday against UT Arlington (13-11) and San Diego State (16-7). Sowder says the team is still gathering information on their opponents in preparation for the weekend.
“We obviously know a lot about San Diego State because we play them every year,” Sowder said. “We know a lot of the players there that we recruited as well and have seen on the recruiting trails.”
The 49ers will play double-headers on back-to-back days, facing UT Arlington a second time followed by Harvard (6-4). They’ll finish the tournament against Texas Tech (18-6).
