KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan softball team will battle a team ranked in the top five nationally along with four other opponents from the Pac-10, Atlantic 10, ACC and Mountain West in the season-opening Kajiakawa Classic hosted by No. 4/5 Arizona State. The Broncos are making a second trip to Tempe, Ariz., in as many seasons.
DESERT OASIS ? For the second time in as many seasons, Western Michigan will begin its season at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. The three-day tournament is hosted by No. 5 Arizona State. Last season WMU went 3-2 during the event, defeating Nevada (2-1 F/8), Cal-State Fullerton (3-1) and Syracuse (8-0 F/5).
PULLING RANK ? The latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll ranks Kajikawa host Arizona State No. 4, while the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll ranks the Sun Devils No. 5. The Broncos Feb. 16 opponent, Utah is receiving votes (2) in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll.
PREDICTIONS ABOUND ? The Mid-American Conference announced its annual Preseason Softball Coaches Poll this week and Western Michigan was selected to finish third in the West Division behind in-state rivals Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. WMU was picked to win the West in 2007 and did so in 2006, reaching the MAC Tournament championship game.
CATCHER IN THE RYE ? Senior catcher Becky Bartosz was has started every game of her collegiate career. She enters the 2008 season with 140-straight starts. She had a career year in 2007, posting career marks in at bats (108), runs (13), average (.278), hits (30), doubles, (6), RBIs (16) and home runs (4).
GAME TRACKER ? Western Michigan's game against No. 4/5 Arizona State can be followed via GameTracker. To follow along with the action, go to www.thesundevils.com. Once on the site, choose Softball under Women's Sport in the menu near the top of the page. Once on the softball home page, choose Schedule/Results. Click on Western Michigan's game in the schedule and a table to the right will show the match up. At the bottom of that listing to the right will be the word GameTracker. Click the word GameTracker to launch.
ON DECK ? Western Michigan will have 12 days between its last game in Arizona and its first in DeLand, Fla. The Broncos will take part in the Stetson Invitational (2/29-3/2) and will open up with Albany at 1:30 p.m., on Feb. 29.
