Dixie State hosts opening weekend softball invitational

Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – The No. 2-ranked Dixie State softball team opens the 2016 season this weekend by hosting the DSU Invitational at Karl Brooks Field and the Canyons Softball Complex. The Red Storm will play one game on Friday and Saturday and wrap up the weekend with two games on Sunday.

Dixie State players, including Michelle Duncan (21), celebrate their win in the Super Regional tournament, Dixie State University vs. Sonoma State University, Softball, St. George, Utah, May 16, 2015 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Dixie State players, including Michelle Duncan (21), celebrate their win in the Super Regional tournament, Dixie State University vs. Sonoma State University, Softball, St. George, Utah, May 16, 2015 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News

DSU will battle two nationally-ranked opponents during the tourney, starting with No. 13 Humboldt State at 3 p.m. on Friday, followed by a matchup with No. 22 West Texas A&M at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Storm will close the weekend on Sunday with games against Colorado State-Pueblo at 12:30 p.m., and against Fort Lewis at 3 p.m.

Even more intriguing than the teams playing in the showcase are the individual players. There will be six players from the 2016 Division II Player of the Year Watch List. Two each from Dixie State, Humboldt State and West Texas A&M.

Pitcher Aryn Feickert and outfielder Janessa Bassett play for DSU. Feickert is the PacWest preseason pitcher of the year. She pitched a 20-5 record with a 2.18 ERA last year. Bassett was first team all-American last year and the inaugural NCAA Freshman of the Year. Bassett batted .449 and stole 47 bases in 50 attempts.

Shortstop Tiffany Hollingsworth and outfielder Hannah Holland play for Humboldt State. Hollingsworth batted .369 with 17 homeruns and 65 RBIs. Holland batted .348 and stole 48 bases in 56 attempts.

Designated player Allie Smith and catcher Lacey Taylor play for West Texas A&M. Smith, a third-team all-American, batted .393 with 9 home runs and 63 RBIs. Taylor, a first-team all-American, batted .458 and hit 12 home runs for 63 RBIs.

TEAM CAPSULES:

Dixie State
Coach: Randy Simkins
2015 Record: 52-8
Ranking: 2nd
Players to Watch: Aryn Feickert, Janessa Bassett, Brooklyn Beardshear, Mallory Paulson, Autumn Woodfall, Josey Hartman

Humboldt State
Coach: Shelli Sarchett
2015 Record: 42-19
Ranking: 13th
Players to Watch: Tiffany Hollingsworth, Hannah Holland, Darian Harris, Katie Obbema, Julie Pena, Madison Williams

West Texas A&M
Coach: Kevin Blaskowski
2015 Record: 45-11
Ranking: 22nd
Players to Watch: Allie Smith, Lacey Taylor, Stacey Ramirez

CSU-Pueblo
Coach: Christie Zinanti
2015 Record: 28-23
Ranking: Unranked
Players to Watch: Madison Wolfe, Dora Hernandez

Fort Lewis
Coach: Elle Fracker
2015 Record: 16-31
Ranking: Unranked
Players to Watch: Missy Fundora

Click here for the Tournament Central Page to access the dates, times and places for all games.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @oldschoolag

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

 

 

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