The Long Beach State softball team will look to continue its torrid offensive start as it travels to Palm Springs on Thursday for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
The 49ers (6-4) start the tournament with a double-header against no. 23 LSU (8-4) and Maryland (1-9). LBSU will face three other opponents: Oklahoma State (7-3), New Mexico (1-8) and Syracuse (2-3).
The 49ers have managed a winning record through two tournaments despite inconsistency from star pitcher Erin Jones-Wesley. Head coach Kim Sowder, however, doesn’t seem too concerned.
“Never gonna worry about [Jones-Wesley],” Sowder said.
Sowder said she believes a summer injury has led to inconsistent performance, and that it will take some time for her to regain the form that led to a first team All-Big West selection.
Jones-Wesley decided to get some extra work in before the start of Tuesday’s practice with catcher Sarah Carrasco. The focus was on Jones-Wesley’s control and pitch location, and how to avoid giving up big hits. Jones-Wesley relies on Carrasco’s guidance, with words of encouragement after every practice pitch.
“There isn’t a pitcher this season that hasn’t given up a couple of hits or runs,” Sowder said.
When asked about who would be starting against LSU, Sowder declined to reveal her starter.
“There’s a lot of scouting in advance of these games,” Sowder said. “I don’t want to give the opposition any advantage on us.”
LSU will be the second ranked team the 49ers will play this season. The Tigers have won 8 out of their last 10 games since dropping their first two of the season. The losses didn’t effect LSU’s ranking much, as they only dropped two spots from their preseason no. 21 ranking.
The 49ers’ offense has been among the best so far this season, with Big West Player of the Week Ashley Holmes leading the way. The junior is hitting .519 with a team-leading five home runs in nine games. Her 14 hits also lead the team, and Sowder believes she’s always had the talent.
“[Holmes] works extremely hard,” she said. Sowder said she thinks that more playing time and better preparation has led to Holmes’ breakout season.
With a thriving offense and steady defense, Sowder believes the 49ers are close to being a complete team.
“It’s all about putting it all together,” Sowder said. “We have so many contributors on offense, so many hitters that can beat you.”
The head coach said the main focus in practice has been to stay sharp.
“We have to continue to get experience and get better in all phases — offense, defense and pitching,” she said.
The 49ers’ first game of the tournament will start Thursday at 3 p.m. against LSU.