ARCATA – Humboldt State will play a guaranteed eight games in four days, with the possibility of more, as it takes a break from California Collegiate Athletic Association action and heads to Turlock.

The Jacks will face Saint Martin's University in a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday, March 29, before participating in the Tournament of Champions, held Friday–Saturday. Currently standing at 10-23, HSU will look to get back on track and pick up some much needed wins while at Turlock. 

Head-to-Head

Humboldt State has faced Saint Martin's in the past, but their last contest was three years ago when the Saints grabbed a 2-1 victory over the Jacks at the 2009 Tournament of Champions to put the overall series at 40-4 in favor of HSU. The Saints are currently 14-9-1 on the season.

In the Tournament of Champions, the Jacks first face Central Washington on Friday at 8:45 a.m. The Wildcats currently stand at 9-15 overall and have only beaten Humboldt State four times, compared to the 50 Jacks victories. ... Northwest Nazarene will challenge the Jacks at 11:15 a.m. Friday as well, currently holding a 5-17 record. The Crusaders will look to grab their first victory against the Jacks after a 20-game winless streak. ... Friday's final game puts Humboldt State against Hawaii Pacific at 4:15 p.m. The Sea Warriors boast a 18-10 record, but a 3-13 overall series record against the Jacks.

The Jacks will play two more games on Saturday to conclude the group play, facing Notre Dame de Namur and Grand Canyon. HSU first takes on NDNU at 10 a.m., looking to add to the 22-2 series record Humboldt State currently boasts over the Argonauts (14-14). Saturday's second contest pins Grand Canyon up against HSU at 12:15 p.m. The Antelopes look to build upon a 18-10 record while getting a rematch of last year's Humboldt State 7-5 victory to put the Jacks in the Tournament of Champions final match.

Live Stats

Fans can follow each of the Jacks' games via live stats on the Jacks' website at http://www.sidearmstats.com/humboldt/softball/scoreboard.aspx. 

Tournament of Champions

The Tournament of Champions (TOC) hosts 24 softball teams from a variety of different conferences all over the West Region. Pedretti Sports Complex and Pittman High will host the flurry of softball matches, with the championship game being held at Pedretti on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For more information, directions and ticket prices, visit the TOC website at http://warriorathletics.com/sports/2007/12/21/SBALL_1221072329.aspx?path=softball.

Lumberjack Notes

Not only did Alicia Reid's impressive four home run game break the CCAA's record for most homers in a single game against Cal State San Bernardino, she also matched the NCAA Div. II's record, currently held by three other players. The feat, however, hasn't been accomplished since 1999, when Missy Paterson of Coker matched Yolanda Carter (Bowie State) and Laura Allgeier's (Bellarmine) record.

Despite the accomplishment, Reid was passed up for the CCAA Player of the Week honor—given to Bianca Lopez of Chico State—which astounded head coach Frank Cheek.

"That's just wrong," said Cheek. "How could she not get it?"

Against the Coyotes, the Jacks delivered on offense, registering 53 hits, including 12 home runs. Also boasting home runs were Ally Blenis, Felicia Viveiros, Kirsten Nouzovsky, Chrissy Stalf and Courtney Hiatt—the first three knocked two balls out of the park.

Defensively, however, Humboldt State had a rougher time performing. The Jacks committed double the Coyotes' errors and surrendered 12 more walks than the CSUSB pitchers.

"We hit the ball well, but our defense was a little sloppy," said Cheek. "Our second team won the game on the second day for us. Sammi Gilbert went 2-for-2 and Erin Guidarelli had a great hit as a pinch hitter."

Heading into the weekend, Cheek knows it's going to take a team effort to come away with some wins, something the Jacks are thirsty for. 

"We're going to play against teams we can compete with," said Cheek. "We're going to hit the ball, but everything will be predicated on our pitching. If they pitch up to their potential, we'll be successful."

With the loss of Jessica George due to an arm injury, the pitching staff has struggled to find success in the circle, even resulting to bringing Stalf on to the rubber. Collectively, the Jacks post a 6.81 ERA, with all four active pitchers registering at 7.00 or higher.

"Our pitchers are not rookies anymore," said Cheek. "They've been here since August and have faced competition. It's show and tell time."

Opponent Notes

Morgan Klemm leads Saint Martin's at the plate with a .417 average, while Taylor Bakos and Sam Munger hold down the circle with 1.86 ERA and 2.62 ERA, respectively. ... Heidy Wells, Central Washington's top hitter, averages .417 in the batter's box and the Wildcats' leading pitcher throws at a 3.69 ERA. ... Northwestern Nazarene's Arielle Chao leads the team with a .397 average, while Elizabeth Beaty boasts a .780 slugging percentage with six home runs. ... Keila Eldert and Nicole Morrow lead Hawaii Pacific with .378 and .377 averages, respectively. Breanne Patton has struck out 51 batters to boast a 2.92 ERA for the Sea Warriors. ... Janae Reyes bats .437 for Notre Dame de Namur and Sammy McConvey registers a 2.14 ERA. ... Grand Canyon's Kelsey Barak bats .436 at the plate, including seven home runs, eight doubles and three triples.

Cheek's Chatter

"We've been on the road for a while now and it's taking its toll on us. It's especially taking its toll on us coaches, but the players haven't complained. ... We took the trip to San Diego a few weeks ago due to weather. There would have been no way for us to get the field ready for that weekend without artificial turf. We're in the process of correcting that though. ... As they say in basketball, the ball is in our court. It's show and tell time."