ARCATA – Twenty-four years ago, head coach Frank Cheek took over the softball team at Humboldt State and turned it into a powerhouse of a program. While the team has stumbled slightly from its dominating ways, a new season brings a new hope to once again put the Humboldt State Lumberjacks back into the softball realm's limelight.
"I'm more excited about this year than the last two years because of the attitude of the team," said Cheek. "The last two years were hard on me since we went from National Champions to disappointment. If you've been to the top, it hurts to no longer be there. If you haven't ever been to the top, you don't know what you're missing, so it can't hurt."
Veteran players have stepped up for the Jacks, including All-Americans
Chrissy Stalf and Felicia Vivieros, and the rest of the senior class. Stalf, Vivieros and
Kirsten Nouzovsky captain the HSU squad and have embraced their leadership roles with a determination to succeed.
"We have a great leadership group that wants to win leading the team," said Cheek.
Last year, the Jacks struggled in conference and posted a 15-17 record in the California Collegiate Athletic Association to place them in the No. 7 spot. HSU lost eight players from that squad, but 16 returners and nine new players bring quality softball experience to build upon the Lumberjack tradition.
"Everyone is eager to play someone other than themselves," said Cheek. "They're ready. I don't know what more I can do to prepare them. I know they're going to hit the ball no matter what they throw at us and our defense will be solid."
With a defense backed by two seniors, Nouzovsky and
Alicia Reid, and the CCAA's MVP Stalf, Humboldt State has the experience needed to make smart plays in the infield in crucial moments. Shortstop
Geneva Perrine's graduation created a whole in the middle infield, but Cheek has confidence that sophomore
Andrea Chavez can fill her shoes—especially with Perrine coaching from the dugout as she joins the coaching staff with HSU legend Cheek and Hall-of-Famer Shelli Maher-Sarchet.
The Jacks struggled from the circle last year, and although this year's pitchers are young, Cheek knows they are capable of getting the job done. Two freshmen and two sophomores will compete to take the place in the circle, including a lefty who brings an added dimension to the bullpen.
Best of the West Invitational
First on deck for the Jacks is the Best of the West Invitational hosted by Cal State Stanislaus. HSU will face off against Metro State, Cal State Monterey Bay and Chico State on Saturday, Feb. 4, and Western Washington and San Francisco State on Sunday, Feb. 5. More information can be found via the Warriors' website at www.w
arriorathletics.com/BWI.
Weather Forecast
The weekend in Turlock is predicted to be mostly clear, sunny and in the mid-60s.
Live Stats
Live stats will most likely be available via the
hsujacks.com website for HSU's games, dependent on the internet connection at Pedretti Park. Links to live stats will also be available through the Best of the West website at
www.warrioratheltics.com/BWI.
Roadrunner Notes
In its first game of the season, HSU faces Metro State at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Last year, Metro State went 34-18 overall and 28-11 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Roadrunners lost their top three batters, including Daktronics All-American honorable mention recipient Jennessa Tesone who led the team with a .396 batting average and registered 50 RBIs and 14 homeruns, but return Kasey Nichols and power-hitter Molly Clark into the batting rotation.
Otter Notes
Cal State Monterey Bay, a common foe for the Jacks, will take on HSU at 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Last year, the two teams faced each other four times, splitting the series an even 2-2. Humboldt State grabbed the first two victories, including a nine-inning 15-14 nightcap, but fell both games in the second double-header the next day. The Otters come off a 24-27 overall record, 17-18 in the CCAA, and return first baseman Jamie Moon, who led the team with a .337 batting average, and home run hitter Jackie Serna, who finished with 10 homers to place sixth in the CCAA leader board.
Wildcat Notes
Another CCAA opponent, Chico State, challenges HSU in the third game, scheduled to start at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday. The Wildcats return eight players, including top-hitter Hailey Stockman (.382 avg) and top pitcher Sam Baker (1.73 ERA), from their successful 33-21 season. Chico State finished third in the CCAA with a 21-14 record and are picked to finish in second this year. Last year, Humboldt State only took one of the four games from Chico State in a 6-2 nightcap victory.
Viking Notes
Sunday's first game will pin the Jacks up against Western Washington, scheduled to start at 10 a.m. HSU lost last year 5-2 to the Vikings in another tournament in Turlock. After hiring a new coach last year, Western Washington had a very successful season, finishing 36-16 overall to propel the Vikings into postseason play for the first time in four years. Returning are 13 Vikings, led by four seniors: first baseman/designated player Krista Bickar, outfielder Jessica Carey, second baseman/pitcher Stephanie Fox and third baseman Jordan Emmil.
Gator Notes
The final competitors for the Best of the West tournament concludes with another CCAA member, San Francisco State. The Jacks take on the Gators Sunday at 12:15 p.m. before returning home to Arcata. Last year, SFSU went 18-35 overall, 11-25 in conference, losing three games to one against Humboldt State. The Gators are led by All-CCAA second team honoree Heather Jensen, who averaged .326 at the plate and registered three homers, 14 RBIs and 25 runs.
Injury Status
In Cheek's words, the Jacks are "down but not out." HSU has collected a few knocks, including
Courtney Hiatt's knee injury, but Cheek knows he'll have his team when it really matters. Hiatt will still play this weekend, but it might not be from her usual spot from behind the plate. "If you ask her, she'll cut off her arm to play," said Cheek. "That's the type of player you want."
Cheek's Comments
"Our first six hitters are all very good. Five of them are home run hitters. Reid is a contact hitter and smart ballplayer. She can bunt and read the defense to advance the runner. ... I believe the pitchers are ready but it's not what I believe that counts. It's what they believe. ... Playing three games in a row won't be an issue because we have multiple pitchers. We can meet that commitment."
