TACOMA, Washington – The Puget Sound softball team is ready to make its 2023 home debut when the Loggers host Willamette for a four-game Northwest Conference series, March 4-5.
 
An unexpected week off
Last week's games at George Fox were postponed due to snow and rain in Newberg, Oregon. Make-up dates are still TBD.
 
Strong start
Puget Sound is 3-3 following its season-opening trip to southern California, where the Loggers took on Cal Lutheran, La Verne, and Occidental. The Loggers hit .301 as a team during the trip, and they totaled 17 extra-base hits. The 2017 Loggers began the season with a 3-3 record, and went on to finish the year with 13 wins.
 
Savage
Savanna Smith was named the Logger of the Week (Feb. 20) after she hit .400 with a home run and six RBI in California. Smith also worked two complete games during the trip – a six-inning outing against Cal Lutheran, and an eight-inning effort against Occidental. Smith was an All-NWC honoree in 2022.
 
The return of Ueyama
Hailee Ueyama suffered a season-ending injury in 2022. The 2021 All-NWC selection began her 2023 comeback tour by hitting .353 to go with a stolen base in California.  
 
Always need Moore(s)
Jessica Moore started all six games in California, and she came back home with a .526 batting average. Emily Moore (no relation) is hitting .333 through six games (five starts).
 
First impressions
First-year Logger and transfer student Mikayla Johnson is hitting .357 through her first five games (four starts) with the Maroon & White. Three of her five hits this season are doubles.
 
Scouting Willamette (5-5, 0-0 NWC)
Like the Loggers, the Bearcats enter this weekend with a .500 record and have yet to play a conference game. Willamette is hitting .285 as a team, and the pitching staff has a solid 3.67 ERA. Marykate Deluca has a couple of home runs to her name. Willamette isn't shy on the basepaths. The Bearcats have 16 steals, led by four from Brianna Majors. Adele Benny and Mia Lund each have three steals this season.