The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Peter Strong Sophomore outfielder McKenna Lowe is hitting .222 early in the 2009 season. Lowe's sister Paige, a senior, is hitting .366.

The Oregon State softball team is heading back to California for the second straight week with hopes of a little more success than last weekend.

The Beavers fell to 7-8 on the season after losing their last four games last weekend in Cathedral City. The Beavers have their eyes on the prize as they head to the CSUF DeMarini Invitational hosted by Cal State Fullerton.

Oregon State has seen strong performances from senior Paige Lowe and junior Tarah Black all season. Both have been contributing both at the plate and on defense consistently this season. Black is leading the team in hitting with a .421 average, and Lowe isn't far behind, hitting .366. The two have only combined for three errors all season. Their strong play will have to continue if the Beavers want to see success this weekend in southern California.

The Beavers will open play on Friday against Cal Poly. The Mustangs are 4-5 this season and have dropped four in a row to Oregon State. Sophomore pitcher Anna Cahn, a southpaw, is 3-2 in the circle and has recorded 33 strikeouts.

Oregon State will then face off against the Highlanders of UC Riverside, who the Beavers have already beat once this season. The Highlanders are struggling this season and are 2-9 overall. Despite their tough season, UC Riverside has seen strong performances from senior outfielder Tiana Towns, who is hitting .308 this season. Junior Marissa Alvidrez has picked up both of the team's victories, posting a 2-5 mark in the circle.

The Beavers will face their third and final sub-.500 team Saturday afternoon when they challenge the Indiana Hoosiers, who the Beavers have not played in nine years. The Hoosiers' only victory of the season came against UC Riverside last weekend. Senior infielder Emily Bergeson is hitting .364 this year and has two round-trippers. Sophomore pitcher Sara Olson has the team's only win and is 1-2 on the season.

The Beavers will then have a late game on Saturday night where they take on No. 19 Nevada (7-7). The Wolf Pack was winless last weekend in Cathedral City and looking to rebound with a strong performance this weekend. Sophomore catcher Noelle Micka is having an outstanding season with a .432 average and 19 runs scored. Junior pitcher Katie Holverson has a 2.67 ERA, and is 4-4 this season with two complete-game shutouts. The Beavers split their two game series with the Wolf Pack in 2007.

Oregon State's final game will come Sunday morning when they will take on Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are coming off a good weekend, going 4-1 at last weekend's Islander Invitational. Minnesota prides themselves on being a very well-rounded team, with junior outfielder Heidi Carls leading the team in hitting with a .279 average.

Senior pitcher Briana Hassett is having an outstanding season, posting an 8-3 mark with a 1.34 ERA, and has four complete-game shutouts. The Beavers currently own a four-game winning streak against the Golden Gophers.

The Beavers are hoping to take advantage of this weekend in southern California. Oregon State has some teams on the schedule they know they should be able to beat, and are hoping to come away with five victories this weekend.



Kevin Nordlund, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com

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