The Central Washington University Softball Team is excited to kick off their season this weekend under the new Head Coach Ronnie Ladines. They’ll face off against two teams right here in Ellensburg, and fans are eager to see how the team has changed.
Game Details
Friday, February 6
- Opponent: #3 NAIA Eastern Oregon
- Game Times: Noon & 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Gary & Bobbi Frederick Field
Saturday, February 7
- Opponent: Warner Pacific
- Game Times: Noon & 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Gary & Bobbi Frederick Field
Parking is available, but if you don’t have a CWU pass, grab a daily guest pass here. Free dirt parking lots are located by the fields, and there’s also free parking along East 18th Avenue.
Coach’s Perspective
Coach Ladines is optimistic. “This team has been working hard all through practice. Opening Day is a great chance for us to show what we can do,” he said.
Last Season Recap
Last year was tough for CWU, finishing with a 6-32 record. However, they had notable wins, including a decisive 9-1 victory over Sonoma State, who later made it to the NCAA Tournament. The team is looking to build on that and improve with nine new players joining this season.
Among the returnees are All-GNAC players Mia Flores and Jessica Reitz-Eaton. The team is a mix of fresh talent and experienced players, setting the stage for a promising season.
Opponents to Watch
Eastern Oregon, ranked #3, is coming off a strong season with a 38-11 record and a CCC Tournament title. They lost some key players but still have standout athletes, like Raygun Klippert, who hit .404 last season.
Warner Pacific had a challenging season last year but has a solid lineup returning. Players like Noe Barawis and Kili Makanani have proven their skills and aim to lead their team to better results this season.
What’s Next
After this weekend, CWU will head to Turlock, California, for the Stanislaus State Invitational. They’ll compete against strong teams, including the 17th-ranked Cal State East Bay. This will be a great opportunity for the Wildcats to see how they stack up against higher-ranked opponents.
With fresh energy and a mix of skill, CWU Softball is ready to take on the season. Fans are looking forward to witnessing the growth and excitement this year brings.
