Fresno State Athletics
No. 23 Bulldogs Embark On Two Week Home Stand
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 10, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. -
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Bulldogs Begin Eight-Game Home Stand
The 2006 Fresno State softball team begins an eight-game home stand this week when the Bulldogs host Saint Mary's on Tue., April 11, 6:00 p.m., before resuming Western Athletic Conference action against New Mexico State, Fri.-Sat., April 14-15.
First Set of NCAA Stats Released this Week
The first set of NCAA Division I softball statistics will be announced this week. In the final NCAA statistics last season, the Bulldogs finished No. 13 in team ERA and win-loss while senior shortstop Christina Clark (Santa Ana, Calif.) ranked in five final statistics.
Third Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night
Fresno State will host its Third Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night on Fri., April 21, when the `Dogs host Hawai'i in a single game at 6:00 p.m. This night is in honor and memory of Bulldog head coach Margie Wright's sister, who was a victim in April 2003. In conjunction with the Marjaree Mason Center, there will be a fund drive to collect loose change in memory of Wright's sister as well as a drop off area at Bulldog Diamond in which paper products will be accepted. Last May, more than $3,000 dollars from loose change was collected and presented to the Marjaree Mason Center. For information on the Domestic Violence Awareness Night, phone (559) 278-6833. To donate or find out more about domestic violence, phone the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 237-4706.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night
The Bulldogs also will celebrate the contributions of campus professors and faculty on Fri., April 21, when they host Hawai'i. Fresno State faculty and staff only need to show their ID to the portable ticket office outside of Bulldog Diamond for a special discount to the game. Details: (559) 278-4603.
Youth Softball Day; Annual Diamond Club Bar-B-Que
Fresno State's Annual Youth Softball Day will be held on Sat., April 22, when the Bulldogs entertain Hawai'i in a doubleheader. Youth teams that sign up will be receive a free set of softball trading cards. Tickets are $5 and it includes a hot dog and soda. Deadline to order tickets is April 19. Details: (559) 278-4603. In addition, the Diamond Club will host its annual bar-b-que that same day. A $15 ticket will get fans tri-tip or chicken, salad, pilaf, beans, rolls and drinks. Tickets are available game days at the Dog Shed or through any Diamond Club member.
The Sixth Annual Jenny Eller Blood Drive Challenge
The Sixth Annual Jenny Eller Blood Drive Challenge is officially underway. When a donor mentions the name Jenny Eller, Coach Wright, Fresno State softball or the "Donor Team," they will receive a commemorative 2006 softball t-shirt. For details, phone (559) 224-2900.
Bulldog Softball Ticket Information
For 2006 Fresno State softball ticket information, please contact the Fresno State Athletics Ticket Office at (559) 278-3647. Single-game and season tickets may be purchased on line at www.gobulldogs.com or through the Bulldog Ticket Office. Single game and special packages are available during the season.
The Margie Wright Show
The Margie Wright Show will air every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. on 1430 ESPN Radio. Emceed by Paul Swearengin, Wright will discuss the team, what's coming up and what's going on in collegiate softball.
Double Play Special
Fresno State is showcasing the "Double Play" promotions during the weeknight games of the 2006 softball season. With a weeknight doubleheader against Saint Mary's this week, fans can download a 2-for-1 coupon off the school's official athletic web site, www.gobulldogs.com, and present the coupon on game night at the portable ticket office located outside the gates of Bulldog Diamond. The coupon can be found under the ticket link on www.gobulldogs.com.
Lunch with Margie
Once a month at the Silver Dollar Hofbrau, Wright will be the host of a question and answer luncheon. The final luncheon will be Mon., May 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Travel with the Bulldogs
One bus trip remains to watch the Bulldogs during the 2006 season. There is a trip set for San Jose State on Sat., May 6, 12:00 p.m. With a doubleheader being played that day, the bus will depart at 7:00 a.m. and will stop for brunch in Los Gatos. Afterwards, the bus will stop at Case de Fruita for dinner before returning to Fresno at approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per person (includes bus travel and game ticket). For reservations and additional information, phone Tim Schiller at (559) 225-3164.
Makin Garners Fourth Xbox Live WAC Pitcher of the Week Honor
Freshman right hander Robin Mackin (Newmarket, Ontario) went undefeated in the circle last week after allowing just three hits or less in each of the three games pitched and, thus, garnered her fourth Xbox Live Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honor last Monday. Averaging 11.1 strikeouts per 7/IP last week, Mackin went 3-0 after recording a 4-0 win over Santa Clara and a pair of WAC road wins over Utah State (3-2, 10-2 in 5 inn.). Holding opponents to a .109 batting average last week, she picked up her 10th shutout, 13th 10-strikeout game and 19th win of the season. In her last 15 starts Mackin has gone 11-4 with six shutouts, one save and 152 strikeouts (11.08 strikeouts per 7/IP) in 96.0 innings for a 1.24 ERA. While she needs 22 more strikeouts to become just the third Bulldog tally 300 or more strikeouts in a season at Fresno State, Mackin already has set the sixth-best single-season strikeout mark (278) while recording a pair of no-hitters and setting a new single-game strikeout mark (17) this season. Averaging 10.93 strikeouts per 7 innings pitched, Mackin is on pace to set a new strikeout standard at Fresno State and in WAC history as the single-season mark is 9.72 by Jamie Southern in 2005. On the year, Mackin is 19-8 overall with 13 ten-strikeout games and 278 strikeouts (10.93 strikeouts per 7/IP) in 178.0 innings and owns a 1.46 ERA.
Have It Your Way
Senior All-America shortstop Christina Clark (Santa Ana, Calif.) hit a team-high .778 (7-9) and scored a team-high five runs while recording three doubles, two RBI, seven walks (two intentional) and 10 total bases for a 1.111 slugging percentage in Fresno State's doubleheader sweeps over Santa Clara and Utah State. With three multiple hit games and batting 1.000 in each doubleheader, she went 3-3 with a run, a walk and a stolen base for Santa Clara in game one before going 2-3 with two runs two RBI, a double and a walk in the night cap. In the series versus the Broncos, Clark hit .833 (5-6) with three runs, two doubles, two RBI, two walks, 1-1 stolen base and six total bases for a 1.000 slugging percentage. In Western Athletic Conference play at Utah State, she batted .667 (2-3) with two runs, five walks (two intentional) with 1-1 stolen bases and four total bases for a 1.333 slugging percentage. In game one, Clark went 0-1 with a run and three walks (one intentional) before going 2-2 with a run, two doubles, two walks (one intentional) and a stolen base. With two intentional walks last weekend, she now has eight on the season and 14 in her career (the 14 career intentional walks ranks No. 11 all-time in NCAA D1 history). While Clark has tallied 14 multiple hit and six multiple RBI games, she became the third Bulldog and fourth WAC player to collect 50 or more career doubles (51). After being walked seven times last week, Clark also became the second WAC player and third Bulldog to have recorded 100 or more career walks (103). By scoring five runs last week, she now has 208 in her career - third-most in school and WAC history - to rank No. 18 all-time in NCAA Division I history. As the school and WAC leader in career total bases (517), Clark's current career slugging percentage of .756 (517-684) ranks ninth-best in NCAA Division I history.
Climbing the Record Books
Clark continues to climb up the school's, the WAC's and the NCAA's career charts. In NCAA Division I history, she currently ranks ninth in career total bases (517) and slugging percentage (.756), 11th in intentional walks (14), 14th in home runs (57) and 18th in runs (208). In school history, Clark is ranked in 12 categories while in WAC history she is ranked in ten. While becoming the school's and the WAC's career leader in total bases last month, she is one of three Bulldogs to boast 50 or more career doubles and one of two `Dogs to have been walked at least 100 times. In the WAC's annals, Clark is one of four players to tally 50 or more career doubles and one of two with 100 or more walks. While owning a season-high eight-game hit streak, Clark is the only Bulldog that is hitting .400 or better in the last 21 games. In this stretch, Clark is hitting nearly .500 (.484, 31-64) with 25 runs, seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, 16 walks, 4-5 stolen bases, 12 RBI and 50 total bases for a .781 slugging percentage.
Clark Writes New Career Total Base Record
Three weeks ago Clark set a new all-time total base record for Fresno State and the WAC. She eclipsed the 500 career total base plateau, making her the school's and the WAC's all-time career leader with 501, against UNLV after going 3-4 with a run, a double and two RBI to surpass Berg (500). Clark is only the second player in school and WAC history to amass 500 or more career total bases. She also as tallied 76 total bases this year and is looking to be the second Bulldog to notch four consecutive 100-total base seasons.
Team Notables
Fresno State is 24-13 on the season and has won 15 of its last 19 ... The Bulldogs tied the school's single-game record for doubles when they connected for six against Utah State (tied mark set against Colorado State in 1996 and Tulsa in 1997) ... Last week, the `Dogs hit .347 (34-98) and outscored their opponents, 25-4, while collecting 13 doubles, two home runs and 22 RBI ... In the circle, Fresno State notched two shutout wins for 13 total on the season while opponents batted .100 against ... The pitching staff averaged 10.21 strikeouts per 7/innings ... Head coach Margie Wright notched her 1,030th school win against USU ... The program needs four wins to reach 1,300 while Wright is seven shy of her 1,200th career victory ... Fresno State has lost nine games to rain this season.
Perking It Up
Freshman third baseman Haley Perkins (Fresno, Calif.), who has started all 37 games at third base, continues to be one of the top newcomers in the WAC. In the first game against Utah State, she collected the game-winning hit with a solo home run in the Bulldogs' 3-2 win last week. In the night cap, Perkins had her nine-game hit streak come to a halt against the Aggies. Already owning a 10- and eight-game hit streak this season, Perkins batted a team-best .448 (13-29) with seven runs, a double, a home run, two walks, a sacrifice fly, a sacrifice hit, four RBI and 17 total bases for a .586 slugging percentage in her nine-game stretch. As Fresno State's No. 2 batter in the line up, she is third on the team in multiple hit games (11) while owning the second-best batting average on the team (.358) and hitting safely in every game but six (31 of 37 games) this season.
Nifty Nesbitt
Sophomore pitcher/designated player Amanda Nesbitt (Mesa, Ariz.) went 1-0 in the circle last week. She recorded an 8-0, 5 inning win over Santa Clara and yielded just one hit while striking out a season-high five. Nesbitt picked up her first win on the season in her second start to even her record to 1-1. She also notched her first shutout victory while throwing her first collegiate one-hitter against the Broncos.
Garvin Connects
Junior centerfielder Shannon Garvin (Fresno, Calif.) hit her first home run as a Bulldog when she connected for a three-run shot in the `Dogs 10-2, 5 inning win over Utah State. While batting .500 (2-4) with two runs, a double, a home run, two walks, three RBI and six total bases for a 1.500 slugging percentage versus the Aggies, she has scored a run in the last four straight games while collecting four RBI in the last four.
Bear of a Time
Hitting .350 on the season, sophomore first baseman Kristin Sylvester (Big Bear City, Calif.) has hit safely in 19 of the last 23 games. In this stretch she is batting .403 (29-72) with 11 runs, 10 doubles, two home runs, four walks, 16 RBI and 45 total bases for a .625 slugging percentage. Currently, Sylvester shares team-high honors in multiple RBI games (6) and is second on the team in multiple hit games (13). On the season, she has posted a 13-game hitting streak, which ranks tied for ninth all-time in school history. In this hit streak she batted .463 (19-41) with nine runs, four doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, two walks and 29 total bases for a .707 slugging percentage.
Leaders of the WAC
In the overall WAC statistics, Fresno State leads is tops in pitching (2.26) and fielding (.969) while second in batting (.297). Individually, the Bulldogs have three of the top 10 batters in the WAC in Clark (.444, 1st), Perkins (.358, 6th) and Sylvester (.350, 7th). In addition, Clark, Perkins and Sylvester rank one-two-three in hits with 46, 44, and 41, respectively. Clark is tops in runs (36), doubles (13) and total bases (76) while tied for third in triples (4) and fourth in stolen bases (7). Perkins is tied for third in runs (26) while Sylvester is second in doubles (10). In the circle, Mackin leads the league in ERA (1.46), wins (19), innings pitched (178.0) and strikeouts (278) while sharing top honors in appearances (31).
Saint Mary's Notebook (4-29)
Enduring a nine-game losing streak, Saint Mary's is coming off a 0-4 conference road mark after dropping all four games to Portland State (2-0, 9-1 in 6 inn., 4-0 and 9-2). The Gaels, who are 1-23 away from home, are batting .242 (206-850) with 95 runs, 34 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs, 81 walks, 80 RBI and 26-34 in stolen bases as a team. In the circle, the SMC pitching staff owns a 5.21 ERA and has tallied one shutout, one save and 73 strikeouts in 213.2 innings while opponents are batting .334 against. Individually, sophomore centerfielder Bronwyn Russell is hitting a team-best .396 (38-96) with 15 runs, six doubles, a triple, 14 walks, 5 RBI and 7-13 in stolen bases. In the circle, freshman right hander Marlena Green is 2-3 with a shutout and 11 strikeouts in 34.0 innings for a 5.76 ERA. Sophomore right handers Chelsea Loftis (1-9, 52.0 IP) and Megan Galloway (1-11, save, 31 K's, 67.2 IP) have notched the other two victories. In the all-time series Fresno State is meeting Saint Mary's for the eighth time since 1981. The Bulldogs have won all previous seven meetings and have allowed only one run against.
New Mexico State Notebook (22-15, 5-4 WAC)
With a 5-4 mark in its last nine games, New Mexico State is coming off a 1-2 Western Athletic Conference road mark at Hawai'i. The Aggies captured the first meeting, 1-0, before dropping their final two (2-0, 8-0 in 6 inn.). NMSU, which is playing in its first season as a WAC member after spending the past five seasons in the Sun Belt Conference, 11-10 away from home. As a team, New Mexico State is batting .282 (273-969) with 163 runs, 36 doubles, 22 home runs, 90 walks, 143 RBI and 28-36 in stolen bases. In the circle, the Aggies pitching staff owns a 2.94 ERA with eight shutouts, three saves and 210 strikeouts in 233.0 innings while opponents are batting .268 against. Individually, sophomore shortstop Stephani Herrera is hitting .358 (34-95) with 16 runs, two doubles, two home runs, nine walks and 10-12 in stolen bases. In the circle, senior right hander Sarah Seagraves is 13-8 with five shutouts, two saves and 134 strikeouts in 141.1 innings for a 2.58 ERA. In the all-time series, Fresno State is battling New Mexico State for the 14th time since 1981 and own a 12-1 all-time series lead. The two schools last met in 2001 and last competed against each other regularly in Big West Conference action (1989-92).
Rain Outs Over the Years
This season, nine games have been lost to Mother Nature and, including last season, 20 total games have been cancelled due to weather. While 2005 has seen the most rain outs (11) in the last seven years, the last time a season was played with no inclement weather being a factor was in 1999. Since 2000, 41 games have been lost to rain.
Bulldog Alumni on the Coaching Ranks
Currently 23 former Bulldogs, 17 of whom played for Wright, are coaching softball on either the collegiate, high school or professional level. Professionally, Julie Smith is the general manager and head coach of the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut. Eight are on the Division I level: Michelle Bento (head basketball coach at Santa Clara), Laura Berg (assistant coach at Fresno State), Carie Dever (assistant coach at Virginia), Marcie Green (assistant coach at Fresno State), Nina Lindenberg (assistant coach at Temple), Kim Maher (head coach at Purdue), Lisa Mize (assistant coach at Santa Clara) and Amanda Scott (assistant coach at Iowa). On the junior college, six 'Dogs are currently active: Randi Berg (assistant coach at El Camino Community College), Erica Blanco (head coach at Long Beach City College), Michelle Bolt (head coach at College of the Sequoias), Sandi Taylor (head coach at Bakersfield College), Ella Vilche (head coach at Chabot College) and Rhonda Williams (head coach at Fresno City College). On the high school level, there are eight former Bulldogs who are coaching: Angela Cervantez (assistant coach at Madera High School), Vanessa Czarnecki (assistant coach at Riverside Poly High School), Debbie Fagundes (head coach), Roberta Garcia (head coach), Dina Lopez (head coach), Jaime Maxey (head coach at Bullard High School), Judy Tucker (head coach at Madera High School) and Peggy Williams (head coach at Clovis West High School).
Bulldogs to Host 2006 WAC Softball Tournament
Fresno State will host the 2006 WAC Softball Tournament, May 11-13, at Bulldog Diamond. This is the second time that Bulldog Diamond will serve as host. Fresno State hosted the 1999 tournament and wrapped up the 1999 season as the regular-season and tournament champions.
'Dogs Selected WAC Preseason Favorites
For the 10th time in 11 years, Fresno State has been picked to capture the league title in 2006. The Bulldogs received five first place votes and one second for a total of 35 points. Hawai'i was tabbed second as it received the final two first place votes for a total of 30 points. Nevada collected 26 points for a third place showing while San Jose State was picked fourth with 19 points. League newcomers Utah State (16 points) and New Mexico State (15 points) were selected fifth and sixth, respectively, while Tech rounded out the poll with six points.
Trio Selected Preseason All-WAC; Sweep Preseason Honors
Fresno State also swept the 2006 WAC preseason awards as Clark and Mackin were selected as the Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively. This is Clark's third consecutive preseason player of the year honor. Returning as the nation's top active Division I career home run leader (54), the two-time All-America shortstop has led the conference three straight seasons in RBI. She also has led the league in runs, home runs, slugging percentage and total bases the past two years. This is the second time in WAC history that a freshman has been honored as the preseason pitcher of the year. Junior catcher Nichole Willis (Clovis, Calif.) also was honored as a preseason All-WAC selection as she received her second consecutive preseason accolade. In addition, Clark was picked at shortstop and Mackin at pitcher for preseason all-conference honors at their respective positions.
Clark On Preseason Watch List; Drafted 18th
On Feb. 1, the Amateur Softball Association announced its initial watch list for the Fifth Annual USA Softball College Player of the Year Award this afternoon and senior All-America shortstop Christina Clark was among the 50 preseason picks. Selected to her third straight national preseason watch list, Clark was just tabbed as the preseason Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year for the third consecutive year. The winner of the 2006 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award will be announced during the NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. In addition, Clark became the program's 18th professional draft selection when she was chosen No. 18 overall in the inaugural 2006 ProFastpitch X-Treme Tour draft.
Five Bulldogs on NCAA 25th Anniversary Softball Ballot
With the 25th Anniversary of NCAA Women's Championships being celebrated throughout the 2005-06 championship season, Division I softball will be commemorating this milestone with a 25th Anniversary Team consisting of 10 student-athletes and one coach. After extensive research and discussion, an expert panel compiled a list of Division I softball student-athletes who performed well in NCAA championships over the last 25 years. For the Fresno State Bulldogs softball program, five `Dogs were nominated by the committee and they were All-America outfielder Laura Berg, All-America second baseman Nina Lindenberg, All-America pitcher Amanda Scott, All-America second baseman Julie Smith and head coach Margie Wright.
National Rankings
Fresno State softball has been no stranger to the national polls as the Bulldogs own the longest streak for consecutive nationally-ranked weeks (178) in NCAA Division I softball history. In the 24-year history of national polls, the Bulldogs have been nationally ranked in the Top 25 for 215 of the 229 weeks since the NCAA's first Top 15 poll in 1983. Fresno State has been in the nation's official Top 25 polls for 24 straight years. Appearing in the Top 10 for 151 weeks, the `Dogs achieved their first No. 1 national ranking on March 14, 1989. They were ranked No. 1 for two straight weeks in 1997 before finishing as the No. 1 team in the final 1998 USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. In 1999, Fresno State opened the year with a No. 1 preseason ranking after winning the national title in 1998. The program's five No. 1 rankings is the most ever by a Bulldogs' athletic team.
