STOCKTON, Calif.- Pacific softball starts a three day, five game slate at the Cal State Fullerton Tournament, kicking off 2024 on Friday, Feb. 9 with games against UIC at noon and Colorado State at 2:30 p.m.
 
The Tigers return most of its production from a year ago, while welcoming five newcomers. Leading from the circle is graduate student Vanessa Strong. She paced the team a year ago and ranked tenth in the WCC in 2023, earning a 3.56 ERA and garnering five wins. She struck out 60 batters in 18 appearances, only allowing 22 walks, 61 hits and 48 runs a year ago.
 
Pacific's offense is bolstered by its juniors and sophomores. Paving the way is junior Delaney Scully, recently announced to the WCC Preseason Team. Her .300 batting average in 40 games was first on the team. She had a .375 slugging percentage and scored 12 runs. 
 
Senior Rian Dirmeyer was also named to the 2024 WCC Preseason Team. She led the Tigers with a .402 slugging percentage and 17 RBI. She notched 25 hits and a team leading 5 HR in 40 appearances a year ago.
 
Sophomores Allie Capello and Jordan Hayes ranked in the top five on the team in runs, combining for 25 in 2023. Capello tied second with 12 RBI. She scored 19 runs and recorded 28 hits in 40 appearances. Hayes had a .250 batting average, while ranking second in runs with 15.
 
Leading the defensive attack is Scully with 243 putouts on 255 chances.  Aiding her is senior Reagan Hamilton with 103 putouts from a year ago. Dirmeyer ranked first with 63 assists.
 
In addition to Friday's game against UIC, the Tigers face Southern Utah twice in the tournament between Saturday and Sunday. They play host Cal State Fullerton on Saturday at 5 p.m. 
 
Pacific is 3-0 over UIC in the last two decades. The Tigers last faced the Flames in 2020. They shut out UIC 4-0 in Fresno, Calif.
 
Against Colorado State, the Rams hold the winning edge over the past decade, including each of the five neutral site games the two programs have played.

The Tigers are 2-0 against Southern Utah in its more recent history, having last seen each other in 2013. They are 1-0 over the Thunderbirds on a neutral field.
 
Pacific shares an expansive history with the Titans, but the two teams haven't met on the field since 2020. The Tigers defeated CSU Fullerton that year 5-1. They are 3-1 in Fullerton since 2017.
 
Pacific opens its season against UIC on Friday, Feb. 9 at noon, followed by a contest with Colorado State at 2:30 p.m. 

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