Game #1:
AAU (0-0) @ Cal State Stanislaus (0-0)
February 3rd at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Turlock, CA – Warrior Softball Field
Game #2:
AAU (0-0) @ Cal State East Bay (0-0)
February 6th at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Hayward, CA – Pioneer Field
Season Opener: The Urban Knights’ season gets underway on Wednesday, February 3rd. The women open with a tough match up against Cal State University Stanislaus, a team who finished the 2009 season ranked 15th in the NCAA Division II polls. The Urban Knights had a strong fall season and will look to capitalize on that success and carry it into the spring season. After these two games, the Urban Knights will continue to play on the road until February 17th.
New Season, New Faces: The Academy of Art University team made several changes over the summer. They will be anchored by their six returning players, including senior Shampayne Clay who led the team in 10 offensive categories last season. Other returnees who will help with experience are junior Alana Aweau, and sophomores Melissa Coe, Sierrah Garcia, Shelby LaFond, and Jayme Stewart. The new additions to the team are junior Ashley Lokey, and freshmen Kim Dauer, Julie Martin, Nicole Smith, and Andrea Hanchey. Although the roster may be small, the team is extremely talented and athletic.
Scouting Cal State Stanislaus: The Warriors had a strong season in 2009, making it all the way to the NCAA Division II Super Regionals, before losing to the PacWest’s Dixie State. The Warriors ended up with an overall record of 35-21, and were 17-15 in the CCAA. They will rely on senior Jennifer Arnold to lead them offensively. She finished the 2009 season with a .324 batting average including nine doubles, seven home runs and 34 runs batted in. Arnold also led the team defensively. As a pitcher/first baseman, she had a .991 fielding percentage and recorded only two errors.
Scouting Cal State East Bay: The Pioneers were led by sophomore Breezy Johnson last season. As a freshman, Johnson had a .313 batting average, with 11 runs scored, and 10 runs batted in. The Pioneers will also look for more big numbers from seniors Nicole Alameda, and Sarah Davini. East Bay concluded the 2009 season with a 10-10 conference record.
Looking Ahead: After their two games this week, the Urban Knights will head to Las Vegas, Nevada for a three day, five game tournament. Hosted by Montana State Billings, the tournament will provide tough Division II competition for AAU. The Knights’ first game of the tournament will be on Friday, February 12th against St. Martin’s University and will be immediately followed by a game against Montana State Billings. Game times are set for 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM at Majestic Park-field 1.