Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Host Spartans in WAC Home Opener
3/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 17, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format 
FRESNO, Calif. - When conference play begins it's always a new beginning for all teams and after a 14-12 start in which the Bulldogs played 12 teams receiving votes or in the top 25 polls, Fresno State will host San Jose State at Bulldog Diamond in the WAC opener on Friday at 6 p.m. The `Dogs were favored by the WAC coaches to win their 21st conference title and the quest begins this week. Fresno State remained in both top 25 polls this week, coming in at No. 25 in the USA Today/NFCA and the ESPN.com/USA Softball polls. After non-conference play, the `Dogs are fourth in the conference standings behind New Mexico State, Nevada and Boise State.
Scouting San Jose State
The Spartans from San Jose State visit Bulldog Diamond to open WAC play in a three-game series this weekend. SJSU is 9-17 overall. Last weekend the Spartans hosted the National Invitational Softball Tournament at SJSU field, going 1-3 with a win over Colorado State and dropping contests to Long Beach State, Canisius and UNLV. They host Canisius for a single game on Tuesday and Princeton in a doubleheader on Wednesday before traveling south. Fresno State leads the overall series 71-6 and has won the last nine dating back to the 2006 season. Peter Turner is in his second season coaching the Spartans after a 26-35 record in 2008 and a fifth place WAC finish. Kelli Fangonilo leads the Spartans with 25 hits on the season and has played and started in all 26 games hitting .313. In the circle, Amanda Pridmore has a 4-5 record with a 2.64 ERA in 71.2 innings. She has 48 strikeouts on the year, also a team-high.
Domestic Violence Awareness Night
The Sixth Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night and Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event is Friday, March 20th. Fresno State softball is participating with the Women's Resource Center on campus and the Marjaree Mason Center to raise awareness about domestic violence. The night is in honor of head coach Margie Wright's sister who was a victim.
The night begins with the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event hosted by the Violence Prevention Project at Fresno State. Activities will start at the Free Speech Area on campus at 4:45 p.m. All men are encouraged to participate and literally `Walk a Mile' in women's shoes to show their effort to stop the violence against women. The walk concludes at Bulldog Diamond just prior to the Bulldogs 6 p.m. game time as those participating will walk onto the field and a survivor will throw out the first pitch.
The community is encouraged to donate shoes for the event. The shoes, women's size nine and up, can be dropped off at the Women's Resource Center at UC-125 the Student Life Division of Student Affairs or the Fresno State Marketing Department on 1510 E. Shaw in Fresno, Suite 103.
To participate in the walk please contact the Violence Prevention Project at (559) 278-5696 or the Fresno State Marketing office at (559) 244-5627.
The Marjaree Mason Center will have a table on the concourse of Bulldog Diamond prior and during the game with information on domestic violence. Fans are encouraged to bring items that are much needed at the Center. Acceptable items include: new standard pillows, new standard white pillow cases, window cleaner, oven cleaner, dust spray, disinfectant spray, pine-sol, detergent, dish soap and sponges. Monetary donations will also be taken.
All fans that sign up for the walk and/or make a donation to the Women's Resource Center or Marjaree Mason will get in free. For more information on the Marjaree Mason center log on to www.mmcenter.org.
Local Business Night
Saturday, March 21, is Local Business Night at Bulldog Diamond. Any fan that brings their business card to the ticket office at the field can get in for $2.00.
Meet the Team Rescheduled
The Annual Meet the Team originally scheduled at River Park on Feb. 15 was rained out and has been rescheduled for March 21 following the Bulldogs doubleheader vs. San Jose State beginning at 1 p.m. Student-athletes will sign autographs in the concourse at the conclusion of the second game.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs' open WAC play against San Jose State Friday and Saturday. The `Dogs and Spartans play two Friday night starting at 6 pm and close out the series Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. Friday night is Domestic Violence Awareness Night. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
