ARCATA, Calif. – Fresh off a trip to Las Vegas for five games as part of the Desert Stinger Tournament, the Humboldt State softball team travels south to Carson to face Cal State Dominguez Hills in a four-game series beginning Friday. First pitch for Friday's series opener is scheduled for noon.

HSU went 2-3 last weekend at the Desert Stinger with wins over Nebraska Kearney and Fort Lewis. Head Coach Shelli Sarchett admits it was a learning experience for her young team.

"Yes we had an unsuccessful weekend in the win-loss record, but it was a positive experience showing these girls what we can do and what we are capable of," said Sarchett. "We learned a lot, we learned that we are still growing, but we want to compete. We are good and we are only going to get better. Our freshmen are really going to have to step up this year. We have a good core in the outfield and behind the plate that is bringing them along."

Freshmen pitcher Lexee Sheiring and Rachel Bennett recorded victories in the circle for HSU and showed improvement in their first collegiate tournament. Sheiring tossed four no-hit innings in Sunday's win over Fort Lewis and logged a team-high 14.0 frames in Las Vegas.

"We are going to continue to mix our pitchers and our bullpen will be by committee," said Sarchett.

The Toros mirrored the Green and Gold results in the Desert Stinger. Dominguez Hills went 2-3 with wins over Minot State and Fort Lewis. Junior infielder Jazmine Guzman continued to build on her success last season as the team's top hitter with a team-best six hits and four RBI in Vegas. Freshman pitcher Alyssa Olague started three games and compiled a 2-2 record with a 5.25 ERA.