It’s no secret that the Vikings defend their own territory ferociously. Boasting a 7-1 home record in PCSC play and fresh off winning three of four against Sacramento State last weekend, the Portland State softball squad is deservedly perched atop the conference standings.
It’s winning on the road that is the real challenge, and with an overall visiting record of 3-11, Portland State enters this weekends matches at St. Mary’s with a lot to prove.
The hosting Gaels are 22-22 overall and 6-5 in the conference, placing them in a tie for the third best record in the PCSC along with the Sacramento State Hornets. Ahead of them at 8-4 is Loyola Marymount, poised to pounce on the Vikings if they falter in this weekend’s matchup.
The Gaels will hope to carry the momentum over from their four-game sweep against the lowly Santa Clara Broncos, who bring up the rear in the conference standings at 0-12.
Over the course of the weekend, the Gaels flooded in 23 runs while allowing only three, with their star pitcher, Maryanne Cronin, earning PCSC Pitcher of the Week honors by posting a perfect 0.00 ERA for the series.
The Vikings, however, are still smarting from their two-game sweep at the hands of Oregon on Wednesday, dropping both hotly contested home games by the scores 1-3 and 3-4.
To get back on track and defend their first place status, the Vikings will look for more superb offense from seniors Jana Rae Slayton and Jamee Rauch, who are hitting a phenomenal .472 and .425 respectively thus far in conference action.
First pitch will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday at St. Mary’s Cottrell Field.