PITTSBURG – The Pittsburg State University softball team will open its 2022 campaign Wednesday (Feb. 9) against Southwest Baptist University in doubleheader action at the PSU Softball Complex. The season opener against the Bearcats was scheduled to take place at Bolivar, Mo., Tuesday (Feb. 8) but due to field conditions the games were moved to Pittsburg.
 
Pitt State finished 2021 with a 15-29 mark and 9-17 in the MIAA. The Gorillas ended the season on a six game losing streak narrowly missing the MIAA tournament.

First pitch between the Gorillas and Bearcats is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Gorilla Coaching Staff

• The Gorillas enter 2022 under first-year head coach Jenny Fuller. Fuller came to Pitt State from NCAA Division II member Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. She spent four seasons with the Wolves, compiling an 85-80 record at NSU. She has a 144-116 record in six seasons as a collegiate head coach.

Scouting the Gorillas

• The Gorillas return seven starters from their 2021 squad and 14 players overall.
• Senior first baseman Kami Zimmerman returns for her final season. Zimmerman led the Gorillas in 2021 with a .333 batting average, earning honorable mention All-MIAA honors.
• Junior outfielder Keelah Griffith returns to the lineup following a stand out 2021 season. Griffith finished with a .560 slugging percentage, leading the team in home runs (7) and RBIs (30).
• Junior utility player Taylor Lambert also earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors last year after hitting .297 with 22 runs scored, 11 doubles and 18 RBIs on the season.
• In addition to the 14 returning players the Gorillas added 11 new comers to the roster.

Scouting the Opposition

• The Bearcats enter the week with a 2-2 record after opening the season at Arkadelphia, Ark., in the McGhee-Hawkins Invitational.
• Southwest Baptist finished 2021 with a 2-40 record.
• The Bearcats are led by first-year head coach Carly Adkins.