SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt softball team continues the start of conference play this week with a six-game slate, opening on the road against a non-conference opponent before returning home for its CCAA home opener.
The Lumberjacks will play a doubleheader against Dominican on Wednesday, Mar. 18 in San Rafael, Calif. before traveling back to host Cal State Dominguez Hills for a four-game series on Friday, Mar. 20 and Saturday, Mar. 21 at Humboldt Softball Field.
Humboldt enters the week 9-14 overall and 1-3 in CCAA play as they look to find rhythm early in the conference schedule.
LAST TIME OUT
The Lumberjacks are coming off their opening CCAA series against San Francisco State, where Humboldt split the opening doubleheader before dropping the final two contests.
Humboldt responded in a big way after an early setback, exploding for a 13-5 run-rule victory in game two of Friday's doubleheader. The Lumberjacks' offense came alive in the win, showcasing their ability to generate runs in bunches and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Across the series, Humboldt saw contributions throughout the lineup, including timely hitting from players like Shelby Shanks, Marissa Brody, and Katlyn Gifford. The Lumberjacks also received a key RBI from Gifford in a tightly contested game later in the series.
Despite the offensive surge, Humboldt fell in the remaining contests, including a close 2-1 loss and a 9-1 defeat, as San Francisco State capitalized on timely hitting and limited Humboldt's scoring opportunities.
The series provided valuable early conference experience as the Lumberjacks continue to develop consistency both at the plate and in the circle.
DOMINATING DOMINICAN
Humboldt faces a demanding stretch of six games in the span of four days, beginning with a non-conference doubleheader against Dominican before returning home.
Dominican (13-13, 8-6 PacWest) has already more than tripled the amount of conference play the 'Jacks have undergone and find themselves on a six-game winning streak heading into Wednesday. Their last five losses have also been by just one run in each game, which suggests the Penguins will be a tough one to shake if Humboldt finds themselves in an advantageous position early.
The matchup in San Rafael provides an opportunity for the Lumberjacks to build confidence before returning to conference play. With a quick turnaround and multiple games in a short span, pitching depth and timely hitting will be crucial factors throughout the week.
CCAA HOME OPENER
The Lumberjacks open conference play at home against Cal State Dominguez Hills, marking an important early-season series in the CCAA.
Cal State Dominguez Hills (21-10, 3-5 CCAA) are double the amount of games into conference play as the 'Jacks and are on a current two game winning streak. Earlier in the season, the Toros won an immaculate 13 games straight after starting 5-5 on the year. The Lumberjacks will look to make sure the Toros can not replicate that beginning-of-the-season win streak.
Playing at Humboldt Softball Field gives Humboldt a chance to capitalize on familiar conditions as they look to gain ground in conference play. Early-season series often play a key role in postseason positioning, making each game significant.
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
Cal Poly Humboldt @ Dominican: Watch | Live Stats
Cal Poly Humboldt vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills: Watch | Live Stats
UP NEXT
Following this six-game stretch, Cal Poly Humboldt will continue CCAA play against Cal State East Bay on Mar. 27 and Mar. 28 as the Lumberjacks look to carry momentum deeper into the conference schedule.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
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