Fresno State Athletics
No. 23 Bulldogs Travel To Louisiana Tech
4/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 24, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. -
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Bulldogs Continue WAC Play with Road Trip to Louisiana Tech
The 2006 Fresno State softball team continues Western Athletic Conference play when the Bulldogs travel to Louisiana Tech for a three-game series, Fri.-Sat., April 28-29. The first-place 'Dogs, who hold a one-game lead over San Jose State, is coming off a 3-0 home record after taking the series against Hawai'i (5-1, 1-0, 5-2). Winners of 11 straight, Fresno State wrapped up its regular-season home schedule with a 20-1 mark, making it the 13th consecutive year and 22nd time overall that a Bulldog squad has won 20 home games.
WAC Race Reaches Half Way Point
With six games left on the docket and the possibility of making up two rain out games entering the week, Fresno State (31-13, 9-1 WAC) starts its second half of conference play. Second-place San Jose State (22-20, 10-4 WAC) is idle this week in league action and has four games remaining with its three-game series versus the Bulldogs next week and a possible makeup game against Hawai'i that was rained out in Honolulu. Third-place Hawai'i (23-17, 7-4 WAC) continues its WAC road swing when the Rainbow Wahine travel to Nevada (20-28, 5-7 WAC) this weekend. They, too, have four games left as UH closes out the season at home against Utah State (5-25, 0-11 WAC) with a possible makeup versus SJSU. In fourth place is New Mexico State (24-18, 7-7 WAC). The Aggies travel to Utah State this weekend and have a possible makeup game at Fresno State to conclude conference play.
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.
Bulldogs to Host 2006 WAC Softball Tournament
Fresno State will host the 2006 WAC Softball Tournament, May 11-13, at Bulldog Diamond. The three-day double-elimination championship will see the top six teams battle it out to capture the WAC's NCAA automatic bid. All-Tournament and Day Passes are currently on sale through the Bulldog Ticket Office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gobulldogs.com or by phoning (559) 278-3647. 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. Fresno State and Hawai'i are the two lone current conference schools to have participated in the last WAC Softball Championship. The Bulldogs own a composite record of 3-0 while UH owns a composite record of 2-2 in championship play.
Mackin Garners Fifth Xbox Live WAC Pitcher of the Week Honor
Freshman Robin Mackin (Newmarket, Ontario) was selected the Xbox Live Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week today, making it the fifth time on the season she has been honored. The right hander pitched the Bulldogs into first place in the WAC standings after going 2-0 in the circle with a shutout and 17 strikeouts in 14.0 innings pitched for a 0.00 ERA in the three-game series sweep over Hawai'i. While notching her 11th shutout victory of the season in the `Dogs 1-0 win over the Rainbow Wahine, she also tallied her 15th ten-strikeout game as she continues to lead the WAC in wins (23), ERA (1.35) and strikeouts (315). Lowering her ERA to 1.35, Mackin went undefeated in the circle for the third straight week and has won her last seven starts. Averaging 10.65 strikeouts per 7/IP this season, she moved up to No. 3 in school and WAC single-season history for strikeouts (315) and is on pace to set a new season record for strikeouts per 7/IP. Mackin also became the third Bulldog to post a 300-strikeout season -- joining All-America freshman hurlers Amanda Scott and Jamie Southern. In WAC play, Mackin is 6-1 with a shutout and 72 strikeouts in 49.0 innings while averaging 10.28 strikeouts per 7/IP and opponents batting .161 against. In her last 19 starts Mackin has gone 15-4 with seven shutouts and 175 strikeouts (10.32 strikeouts per 7/IP) in 118.2 innings for a 1.12 ERA and holding opponents to a .133 batting average against. In this stretch, she also has totaled nine 10-strikeout games. On the year, Mackin is 23-8 with 11 shutouts and 315 strikeouts in 207.0 innings for a 1.35 ERA while holding opponents to a .156 batting average.
Wright Collects 1,200th Division I Career Win
In 27 years as a Division I head coach, Margie Wright has achieved historic milestones in her illustrious career. Inducted into the Women's Sports Foundation International Hall of Fame last October and just inducted into her seventh hall of fame on April 1 with the Moline Sexton Ford women's major fastpitch team (Illinois ASA Hall of Fame), she tallied her 1,200th Division I victory on April 22 in the Bulldogs' 5-2 win over Hawai'i. Wright, who is the NCAA all-time winningest softball coach, is now the first Division I coach to reach the 1,200-career win plateau for fastpitch victories. Four years ago, she was the first Division I coach and 24th Division I head coach, regardless of sport, to notch 1,000 Division I wins.
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.
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.
Passing the Torch
Mackin went undefeated in the circle for the third straight week and has won her last seven starts. Averaging 10.65 strikeouts per 7/IP this season, she is among the best of the best Bulldog rookie hurlers who went on to earn All-America honors their first year. Last week she moved up to No. 3 in school and WAC single-season history for strikeouts (315) and is on pace to set a new season record for strikeouts per 7/IP. With 15 ten-strikeout games and two no-hitters on the season, Mackin became the third Bulldog to post a 300-strikeout season -- joining All-America freshman hurlers Amanda Scott and Jamie Southern. In addition, Mackin is among the freshmen best in strikeouts per 7/IP (1st, 10.65), strikeouts (2nd, 315), appearances (3rd, 36), innings pitched (4th, 207.0), victories (4th, 23), shutouts (5th, 11) and starts (5th, 30).
Finding Her Groove
In her last 19 starts Mackin has gone 15-4 with seven shutouts and 175 strikeouts (10.32 strikeouts per 7/IP) in 118.2 innings for a 1.12 ERA and holding opponents to a .133 batting average against. In this stretch, she also has totaled nine 10-strikeout games. On the season, she set a new single-game strikeout mark for a 7-inning game (17) and tied the school's single-game strikeout mark for a 5-inning game (9). On the year, Mackin is 23-8 with 11 shutouts and 315 strikeouts in 207.0 innings for a 1.35 ERA while holding opponents to a .156 batting average.
What's a Slugger to Do
Senior All-America shortstop Christina Clark (Santa Ana, Calif.) has been walked 40 times in 44 games played this season. Walked three times last week, she is approaching the school's single-season walk mark. Former Bulldog All-America third baseman Gina LoPiccolo was walked 43 times as a senior in 1991 to lead the nation. The most walks in a season for Clark was 29 in 2004. Last week against Hawai'i, she now shares the No. 1 spot in school and WAC history for career walks (111) with former Bulldog Lindsay Fossatti. Still further, Clark was walked four times in the night cap against New Mexico State on April 15, tying the school and the WAC's single-game record.
For the Record
Clark hit a two-run home run last week against Hawai'i on April 22 to increase her career total to 60 and, in the process, became the 12th NCAA Division I player to reach the 60-career plateau. Having become the school and WAC career home run leader last season, she notched her fourth multi home run performance against New Mexico State on April 15. In the NCAA Division I history, Clark currently shares the No. 11 home run spot with Kelly Kretschman (Alabama). Still further, Clark also ranks in four other NCAA Division I career records as she enters the week ranked No. 7 in total bases (536), No. 8 in slugging percentage (.764, 536-702), No. 11 in intentional walks (14) and No. 17 in runs scored (217). While she enters the week eight runs shy of becoming the 12th player in NCAA Division I history to tally 225 or more career runs, Clark has hit 15 doubles in a season for the third time in her career last week versus Hawai'i. Still further, she owns a .779 slugging percentage this season -- a mark that ranks third-best in school history -- while boasting a current five-game hit streak (.636, 7-11, 7 runs, 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 8 walks, 6 RBI, 18 total bases, 1.636 slugging percentage).
.400/100 Club
Clark, who is ranked in 12 all-time career school categories and 10 all-time WAC career marks, is looking to hit .400 or better her senior year. As the lead off batter for the Bulldogs, Clark is batting at a current clip of .443 - an average that ranks No. 5 in Fresno State single-season history. In fact, she will look to post the first .400 season in the last seven years after narrowly missing the magic mark in 2004 (.396). In addition, Clark has 95 total bases on the year and is looking to become just the second Bulldog to record four consecutive 100-total base seasons. Having become the school and WAC career leader in total bases against UNLV on March 18, Clark is only the second player in Fresno State and league history to record 500 or more career total bases.
Reaching Higher
While Clark is currently ranked in five NCAA Division I all-time career marks, she also has three more records she can climb into before the season is over. With 279 career hits, she needs 22 to crack the NCAA all-time hit list. With 53 career doubles, Clark is seven shy of cracking into the NCAA career doubles chart. With 111 career walks, she is 11 short of breaking into the NCAA's career category for all-time walks.
Team Notables
Fresno State is 31-13 on the season and has won its last 11 straight, 13 of its last 14, 15 of its last 18 and 21 of its last 25 ... Head coach Margie Wright collected her 1,200th career victory when the Bulldogs defeated Hawai'i, 5-2 ... The 'Dogs closed out their regular-season home schedule with a 20-1 mark -- making it the 13th consecutive year and 22nd overall that a Bulldog squad has posted a 20-win home record ... Clark was the top offensive player for the Bulldogs last week ... She hit .625 (5-8) with four runs, two doubles, a home run, three walks, two RBI and 10 total bases for a 1.250 slugging percentage ... Junior catcher Nichole Willis (Clovis, Calif.) hit .500 (5-10) with a double and a RBI ... Both Clark and Willis each collected a pair of multiple hit games out of the three-game series versus Hawai'i ... Freshman third baseman Haley Perkins (Fresno, Calif.) was the third 'Dog to hit better than .400 last week .. Perkins batted .429 (3-7) with two runs, a double, a triple, three walks, a sacrifice hit, a RBI and eight total bases for an .857 slugging percentage ... Freshman pitcher Merryann Barr (Fresno, Calif.) recorded her first collegiate save in the Bulldogs' finale against Hawai'i ... Sophomore pitcher Amanda Nesbitt (Mesa, Ariz.) picked up her second win of the season in the series final versus the Rainbow Wahine ... Sophomore first baseman Kristin Sylvester (Big Bear City, Calif.) notched the game-winning hit in the 'Dogs 1-0 win over UH ... With a full count, she hit a two-out RBI single and now has 11 2-out RBI games on the season ... In the 5-1 win over Hawai'i, eight different Bulldogs had at least one hit ... In the 1-0 victory, Mackin notched her 15th 10-strikeout game after fanning 10 with no walks while collecting her 11th shutout of the season.
First Impression
Perkins, who has started all 41 games at third base, continues to be one of the top newcomers in the WAC. Owning a season-best 10-game hit streak, Perkins is batting .364 (4-11) with three runs, a double, a triple, a home run, three walks, a sacrifice hit, three RBI and 10 total bases for a .909 slugging percentage in her last four games. In her last 19, she is hitting .356 (21-59) with 12 runs, two doubles, a triple, a home run, six walks, a sacrifice fly, three sacrifice hits, 11 RBI and 28 total bases for a .475 slugging percentage. As the No. 2 batter in the line up, she is third on the team in multiple hit games (12) while owning the third-best batting average on the team (.345) and hitting safely in every game but nine.
Dialing In
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. Garvin batted .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. Against New Mexico State, she hit her second of the season with a two-run shot and ended up batting .500 (3-6) with two runs, three RBI and six total bases for a 1.000 slugging percentage. In her last seven games, Garvin is batting .353 (6-17) with five runs, a home run, two walks and five RBI.
Bear of a Time
Hitting .360 on the season, sophomore first baseman Kristin Sylvester (Big Bear City, Calif.) has hit safely in 26 of the last 30 games. In this stretch she is batting .404 (38-94) with 15 runs, 12 doubles, a triple, two home runs, five walks, hit by pitch, 20 RBI and 58 total bases for a .617 slugging percentage. While second on the team in multiple hit games (15), Sylvester has a current seven-game hit streak and is batting .409 (9-22) with four runs, two doubles, a triple, a walk, a hit by pitch, four RBI and 13 total bases for a .591 slugging percentage. She owns a season-best 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 is tops in pitching (2.04), batting (.297) and fielding (.969). Individually, the Bulldogs have three of the top 10 batters in the WAC in Clark (.443, 1st), Sylvester (.360, 3rd) and Perkins (.345, T5th). In addition, Clark, Sylvester and Perkins rank one-two-three in hits with 54, 50, and 49, respectively. Clark is tops in runs (45), doubles (15) and total bases (95) while tied for third in triples (4) and tied for fourth in stolen bases (8). Perkins is third in runs (31) while Sylvester is second in doubles (12). In the circle, Mackin leads the league in ERA (1.35), wins (23), innings pitched (207.0) and strikeouts (315) while sharing top honors in appearances (36).
In the NCAA Statistics
In the second release of the NCAA statistics (April 16), Fresno State appeared for the first time as a team in scoring. Averaging 5.32 runs per game, the Bulldogs ranked 29th. Individually, Clark and Mackin are ranked for the second straight week. Clark moved up to No. 3 in walks per game (0.9) after a sixth-place showing in the first release (0.8). She also moved up to No. 13 in runs per game (1.0) after ranking 21st a week ago (0.9). Still further, Clark moved up eight spots to No. 25 in batting average (.430) after entering the rankings at No. 33 (.423). In the circle, Mackin is seventh in wins (21) after coming in at No. 5 a week ago (20). She also currently ranks No. 13 in strikeouts per 7/IP (10.8), moving up a spot from No. 14 (10.9). In addition, Mackin ranked No. T45 in ERA (1.45) after being listed 48th (1.43).
Louisiana Tech Notebook (16-26, 4-8 WAC)
Louisiana, which was idle last week in WAC play, is coming off a 3-1 week at home in which the Lady Techsters swept Grambling (13-5 in 5 inn., 8-0 in 6 inn.) and split with Northern Colorado (3-1, 4-6). Tech, which hosts Centenary on Tue., April 25, wraps up its 14-game homestand this weekend with Fresno State. As a team, Louisiana Tech owns the third-highest batting average (.290) overall and the second-best in league play (.300). Leading the way is freshman centerfielder and leadoff batter Emma Barnes, who is hitting .366 (52-142) with 36 runs, eight doubles, seven triples, eight walks, five hit by pitch, 17 RBI and 12-13 in stolen bases. Right behind her is clean up batter and catcher Regan Clark, who is hitting .352 (45-128) with 19 runs, six doubles, five home runs, 10 walks and 34 RBI. In the circle, Louisiana Tech owns a 4.93 ERA with four shutouts, three saves and 95 strikeouts in 255.1 innings. The Lady Techsters are being led by in the circle by freshman right hander Krissi Oliver, who is 9-10 with three shutouts, two saves and 47 strikeouts in 121.1 innings for a 4.62 ERA.
Series History vs. Louisiana Tech
Fresno State is meeting Louisiana Tech for the for the 16th, 17th and 18th time since 2002. The Bulldogs, who are playing in Ruston, La., for the second straight year, own a 15-0 series advantage. With all the meetings coming in WAC play, the 'Dogs have posted 11 shutout wins.
Rain Outs Over the Years
This season, 10 games have been lost to Mother Nature and, including last season, 21 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, 42 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), Vanessa Czarnecki (assistant coach at Riverside Poly), Debbie Fagundes (head coach), Roberta Garcia (head coach), Dina Lopez (head coach), Jaime Maxey (head coach at Bullard), Judy Tucker (head coach at Madera) and Peggy Williams (head coach at Clovis West).
Bulldogs 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 of 'Dogs 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; Programs 18th Professional Draft Pick
On Feb. 1, the Amateur Softball Association announced its initial watch list for the Fifth Annual USA Softball College Player of the Year Award and Clark was among the top 50 picks. Selected to her third straight national preseason watch list, she also was tabbed as the preseason WAC Player of the Year for the third consecutive season. 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.
Berg and Scott Named to NCAA 25th Anniversary Softball Team
On April 18, the NCAA announced its Division I Softball 25th Anniversary Team and Fresno State was honored with two selections on the ten-player squad in former Bulldog All-Americans Laura Berg (Santa Fe Springs, Calif.) and Amanda Scott (Clovis, Calif.). Based on their outstanding achievements during NCAA championship competition, including All-Women's College World Series honors, Berg was one of two outfielders selected while Scott was one of four four-time NCAA First Team All-Americans as well as one of six pitchers voted to the prestigious list. In their collegiate careers, Berg and Scott both participated in the WCWS three times with the 1998 season seeing the Fresno State softball program reach the pinnacle of success with the university's first and only NCAA Division I team championship title. At the 1998 WCWS Berg batted .471 (8-17) with three runs, two RBI, a stolen base and eight total bases as the lead off batter. Going on to be a three-time USA Softball Olympic gold medalist, Berg wrapped up her collegiate career with a .414 batting average and ranks No. 2 all-time in NCAA Division I history with 396 career hits. Also in 1998, Scott garnered WCWS MVP honors after pitching a three-hit shutout victory over two-time NCAA defending champion Arizona in the title game. At the WCWS that year she would go 3-1 with a pair of shutouts and 16 strikeouts in 23.2 innings for a perfect 0.00 ERA. A 2000 USA Softball Olympic alternate, Scott wrapped up her collegiate career by being the university's first NCAA Top VIII Award winner, a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient and a two-time Honda Awards Softball finalist. The two-time Academic All-American ranked 36 consecutive weeks nationally in ERA and was a two-time NCAA ERA statistical champion.
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 217 of the 231 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.
