Colorado State University Athletics
Softball Preview: Desert Classic
2/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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Feb. 15, 2006
Leading Off: The Rams will travel to Las Vegas, Nev., for the Desert Classic this weekend. They will face Notre Dame, Central Michigan, No. 18 Oregon, Cal Poly and No. 14 Oregon State. The Rams will look for wins to balance out the all-time series records where all the opponents currently hold the advantage. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have a one game lead over the Rams, posting a 2-1 record. The Rams have fallen to 0-2 to the Central Michigan Chippewas, but haven't faced them since 1986. The Rams last played Oregon in 2002, where the Ducks took 2-of-3 on their home field. The Rams went 1-3 to the Cal Poly Mustangs in 2005, all in San Luis Obispo. The Rams defeated the Oregon State Beavers in 1994, but are still the underdogs at 1-3.
Season Opener: The Rams fell to 1-6 in season openers under Head Coach Mary Yori when they opened the 2006 season in Las Cruces, N.M., against New Mexico State, falling to the Aggies 4-0. The Rams' offense was held to just one hit, coming off the bat of senior transfer Tara Harbert.
Hilton Las Cruces Classic Wrap-up: Colorado State opened tournament play against conference foe Utah Friday morning with a 7-3 win. The Rams took control early, scoring all seven runs in the first two innings. Junior Jessica Strickland and freshman Kim Klabough combined for three home runs against the Utes. The Rams dropped game two of the tournament to the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners by a final of 12-2 in five innings. It was the Rams' third straight loss to UTSA in as many seasons. Day two had the Rams fighting furiously against the Ohio State Buckeyes, tallying five runs in the sixth inning and forcing extra innings before falling 8-7. CSU's two wins on Sunday pushed the Rams to 3-3 on the season as they closed out the Hilton Las Cruces Classic. The Rams started the day with a 5-1 victory over Portland State, jumping to an early lead, scoring all of their runs in the first two innings. The Rams closed the weekend against host New Mexico State, posting a 7-4 win. Freshman Shannon Causgrove and Strickland teamed up for two home runs and four RBI's in the first two innings, shattering the Aggies' hopes.
Early Scores: In the first six games of the season, the Rams have scored 67.8 percent of their total runs (19 of 28) within the first three innings.
Bringing It Home: Junior Jessica Strickland has tallied four home runs so far this season after closing last year with a total of five to lead the team. Senior Katie Dean and freshmen Shannon Causgrove and Kim Klabough have each hit one to bring the team total to seven, a third of last year's season total.
Dynamic Duo: Freshman Kim Klabough has been taken under the wing of veteran pitcher junior Jessica Strickland where the two have combined for 23 strikeouts in the first six games.
Birthday Wishes: Senior Katie Dean hit her first home run of the season against Portland State on her birthday, Feb. 12. She now has four career home runs.
Strickland: Against Utah junior Jessica Strickland finished the game 3-for-4 from the plate and recorded five RBI, tying her career-high. She leads the team with 24 total bases, 7 runs scored, and four home runs this season. She is batting at a .476 clip and leads the team with 9 RBI. Strickland was also named to the All-Tournament Team for the Hilton Las Cruces Classic.
Patient at the Plate: Sophomore Lauren Cusick has four walks this year to lead the team. She totaled seven last year. Cusick is also third on the team with nine assists from her third base position.
Making A Name For Herself: Freshman Kim Klabough won the first game of her career, pitching all seven innings against Utah. She allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out three Utes. She followed with a complete game victory versus Portland State, allowing one run on seven hits and striking out six. She also picked up her first career save in relief of Strickland in the Rams' 7-4 win over New Mexico State. Klabough has not allowed any walks in the 17.2 innings she has pitched in her collegiate career.
Caus-and Effect: Freshman Shannon Causgrove is hitting .500 so far this season to lead the team in ten at bats. She has a fielding percentage of 1.000, which ties for the team lead. Causgrove also has five assists on the season.
Leigh-ve It to Stacey: Junior Stacey Leigh recorded a career-high three RBI on a bases-loaded, pinch-hit double to tie the game versus Ohio State in the top of the sixth inning. Leigh has recorded eight at bats and three RBI's to start the season. She had four at bats in the game against Portland State, just one shy of her career high.
Thief: Senior transfer Tara Harbert has recorded three stolen bases so far this season, half as many as last year's leader Stephanie Roberts. Harbert is also second on the team with 20 at bats and first with 13 assists.
