`Runner Softball to Start 2019 Season at Norcal Kickoff

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Only 24 hours stand between the CSU Bakersfield softball team and the beginning of the 2019 season. All the practice and preparation are about to come to a test when the Roadrunners head to the NorCal Kickoff for five games over three days, Feb. 8-10.

"We are excited to get the season going," said Crissy Buck-Ziegler, Head Coach of the `Runners. "I feel like we are prepared for it and this weekend should give us a good indication of where we are going."

The `Runners are set to open the tournament co-hosted by Sacramento State and UC Davis with a 9:30 a.m. game against UC Santa Barbara on Friday. After taking on Sac State Friday afternoon, the `Runners will travel 20 miles on Saturday to face UC Davis. Sunday's finale is set for another pair of games as CSUB will tackle Montana in the morning and get a rematch with Sac State at noon.

UC Santa Barbara is coming off a 2018 season in which the Gauchos finished with a 20-34 record overall. CSUB and UCSB met twice a year ago at the Gaucho Classic II. The Hornets picked up a 10-6 victory in the opening game of the tournament, but the `Runners got revenge the next day, earning an 8-0 win in six innings.

Sacramento State enjoyed a 31-20 record last year on the way to an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Hornets put up strong performances in the UCLA regional, but were unable to come out with a victory in postseason play. The `Runners have not faced Sac State since 2016 when CSUB earned a 5-4, 8-inning win.

UC Davis will welcome CSUB to Northern California off a 27-24 season in 2018. The `Runners and Aggies clashed once last season at a tournament in Fresno, Calif. UC Davis came out on top in that February contest, 7-3.

Montana is still a young program as it got its start in 2015, but the Grizzlies have enjoyed winning records in each of their last three seasons. The `Runners own a 2-1 record over the Grizzlies in their previous three meetings. CSUB and UM split a pair of neutral-site games in 2016, the last time the two teams clashed.

`Runner fans can follow along with live stats for all five games this weekend while live streams are available during CSUB's two games against Sacramento State. Links to both options are available on the CSUB softball schedule page.

Rain is possible in Northern California this weekend, so, fans should be on the lookout for potential changes to the schedule. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow @CSUB_Softball on Twitter (link above).

~GoRunners.com~

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