SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State softball team will head out on the road this weekend, traveling to Seaside, Calif., for a four-game CCAA series against No. 25 Cal State Monterey Bay at the Otter Sports Complex starting Friday at noon.

SF State enters this weekend with an overall record of 4-5 and are 1-3 in the CCAA.  Away from the SFSU Softball Field the Gators are 0-1 this year.  Last weekend, SF State went 1-3 in its debut in the CCAA, splitting with Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday before the Coyotes took the series, sweeping the Gators on Sunday.

That weekend the Gators pitching staff was excellent, holding the Coyotes to a .206 batting average while sporting a staff ERA of .225.  As a team, the Gators pitching staff ranks fourth in the CCAA with a 3.07 ERA.  The Gators pitching staff has allowed just 48 hits on the year, fewest in the conference.

Senior pitcher Jenny Obbema is third in the CCAA with a 1.46 ERA.  In three starts this season she has already thrown three complete games.  Last weekend, she was the hard luck loser in two pitcher's duels, going 0-2 after throwing 14 innings, scattering nine hits and three earned runs.   Obbema is one of three Gator starting pitchers who currently rank in the top-15 of the conference in ERA.  Lindsey Cassidy is 13^th with a 3.28 ERA, while Megan Clark is 15^th with a 3.82 ERA.

Offensively, the Gators are averaging 4.2 runs per game, while hitting .259 as a team. Sophomore Mallory Cleveland is leading the team with a .429 batting average, fellow sophomore Sara Higa is right behind her hitting .400.  As a team, the Gators have 60 hits on the year, but have yet to find their power stroke, SF State has just six doubles and two home runs on the season.

Cal State Monterey Bay enters Friday's double header with a 7-8 record and are 2-6 in the CCAA.  At the Otter Sports Complex they are 2-4.  Last weekend they split with Chico State on the road.  The Otters were ranked 25 in the NFCA Preseason Top-25 poll and were picked to finish third in the CCAA in the preseason coaches' poll.  Entering this weekend they have lost six of their last eight.

Offensively, CSUMB is hitting .286 as a team, averaging 5.4 runs per game.  Leading the team at the plate is Annelise Lopez who is hitting .400, she also has two home runs to lead the Otters.  In the circle the Otters boast a staff ERA of 3.25 and are limiting their opponents to a .236 batting average.  Leading the team in wins and ERA is Tori Pierucci, who is 4-3 with a 2.33 ERA.  In 42. Innings pitched she has allowed 28 hits, 14 earned runs with 24 walks to 18 strike outs.

All four contests will feature live stats which can be accessed on the softball schedule page. For in game updates be sure to follow the Gators on twitter @SFState_Gators. 

Weekly Preview with head coach Lisa Allen and So. catcher Angelica Terrel
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments.  For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.