Wildcats Travel to California Baptist for Key WAC Series

ACU (13-32, 9-9) at California Baptist (22-25, 10-8)
John Funk Stadium | Riverside, CA
Friday Doubleheader - 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. (CT)
Saturday - 2 p.m. (CT)
Video Stream (ESPN+) | Live Stats | ACU Game Notes


This weekend the Abilene Christian softball team heads to Riverside, California, for a preview of the ballpark that is hosting the WAC Tournament May 7-10.

ACU plays California Baptist for a three-game series that features two teams in the top four of the conference standings. Friday's doubleheader starts at 6 p.m. CT and Saturday's single-game begins at 2 p.m. CT. The Wildcats (13-32, 9-9) enter the weekend tied in fourth in the WAC while the Lancers (22-25, 10-8) are just a game ahead in third.

"You play the tough preseason, you play a full conference schedule so you can peak at the end and play your best softball in May," head coach Jo Koons said. "We're in the home stretch, and I think we're in a good spot."

ACU has won four of its last five WAC games, including two wins over Tarleton State over Easter weekend.It marked ACU's third conference series win-- tying the program's high-mark for a season since 2022. Catrin Hoffman, Valerie Ornelas and Taylor Bachmeyer each hit home runs during the series. Hoffman had 4 RBI in the series finale. Lina Russo threw all 14 innings of games 2 and 3 versus the Texans. She allowed just two runs, and struck out nine batters.

California Baptist has won three WAC series in-a-row, with a sweep over Utah Tech most recently.

"A handful of our kids are from California, so it'll be great to get them in front of friends and family," said Koons. 

Seven ACU players hail from California: catcher Valerie Ornelas (Madera, CA); third baseman Miranda Lista (Chino Hills, CA); second baseman Emalee Romero (Eastvale, CA); outfielder Julianna Martinez (Fresno, CA); pitcher Chase Mueller (Shingle Springs, CA); pitcher Lina Russo (Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA); and infielder Rachel Cook (Corona, CA). Four of the seven are regularly in the Wildcats' starting lineup.

Koons is from Chico, CA.

ACU returns to Abilene for its final regular season games on May 2-3. The Wildcats host Grand Canyon with a Friday doubleheader and Senior Day Saturday.
 

News & Notes

• It's How You Finish: Though ACU is 1-5 in WAC series openers, the Wildcats are 5-1 in series finales -- which is the highest winning percentage (.833) in the league.
• Over-Achievers: In the WAC's preseason coaches poll, ACU was picked 8th in the league. The Wildcats can clinch a spot in the WAC Tournament, which they've missed the last two seasons.
• Coach Speak: "The power is in the response, and this group loves to respond. Seeing the results on the other side helps them buy in more and more."