HELENA, Mont. -- The Carroll College softball team (RV) is set to for its second road trip of the season, traveling to Oregon and Arizona for a slate of nine games in six days.
"Our kids are chomping at the bit to get out there and play," Saints coach
Aaron Jackson said. "It comes at a good time. We're viewing this as a spring-training regimen. We'll have nine games in six days. It will really be about getting innings."
That road swing begins this weekend in Hillsboro, Oregon, against No. 16 Corban to open up Cascade Collegiate Conference play. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Corban, but snow moved the game up north to Hillsboro.
"Starting with Corban, top 15 team in the country, a perennial power in the Cascade Conference and in the country," Jackson said. "It's an opportunity to prove ourselves in the conference and nationally. And try to set out and win series, set ourselves up for a conference run."
The Saints (2-1) are hoping their success down in California translates to a big week coming up. Carroll took wins over St. Katherine and No. 14 Vanguard.
Brooke Yarnall batted .700 and came up with seven stolen bases to lead the Saints' offense in the Sunshine State.
"Really, when she gets on base, it's almost a double if not a triple because of her stolen bases," Jackson said." We look for her to continue to lead us in that realm. Throughout the lineup, we've seen some awesome performances. They continue to hit the ball well inside."
Tess Eaton threw a no-hitter in California and Ali Williams delivered a strong pitching performance against Vanguard, striking out four while allowing three runs.
"Throughout our lineup, we're probably 10 or 12 deep," Jackson said. "We're trying to find time to get kids at-bats. When they got at-bats they've stepped up. Our pitching staff has been really solid for us. Ali and Tess threw two great games in California. Brooke (Brown), I thought, threw a pretty good game, hit some spots, but ran into some spots that didn't fit her and then we didn't play well behind her."
After Corban, the Saints will play NCAA D-II Concordia in Portland, Oregon. Then comes a trip down to Arizona to play Benedictine University at Mesa in a doubleheader followed by a twin bill against Ottawa.
"That will give us a great look, another challenge for us," Jackson said. "Most importantly for us, it's 14 more innings under our belt. Get some reps. Arizona will be nice to be in 70-degree weather not have to worry about playing conditions."
Carroll's schedule has taken hits already this season, so just getting games will be beneficial. Out of a possible 11 or so games to be played this season, the Saints have only competed in three. Rain in California cost Carroll four games, while snow in Idaho cost the Saints another weekend.
Carroll's first game against Corban is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m.
