Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

SamanthaMartinezNE001
Nick Ellis

Softball

CSUB Softball Opens 2023 Season in Los Angeles

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The offseason wait is over as the Cal State Bakersfield softball team is set to return to action this weekend, kicking off the 2023 season at the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament. First-year Head Coach Daniel Sperl will lead his squad into a tough test of five games on Opening Weekend, including a pair of contests against No. 2 UCLA.

Upcoming Schedule
  • at Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament
  • Feb. 10-12
  • Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Easton Stadium (Friday and Saturday) and Smith Field (Sunday)
How to Follow the `Runners Quotes from Head Coach Daniel Sperl 
  • "We've worked hard to prepare ahead of this season and the team has bought in to a new culture of positive attitude and plus effort in the face of some early adversity. As a group we've consistently improved, thanks in large part to several leaders on our club who have committed to accountability, ambitiousness, and growth. We'll face some very talented teams this weekend in Los Angeles, but I'm excited to see this group put to the test."
  • "I like the way we've swung the bat since early fall – with freedom, confidence and resiliency – and although we'll face elite pitching in week one, I think we'll prove to be a very different team on that side of the ball before all is said and done. Defensively our effort level has been terrific, and our execution has begun to follow. We have a deeper group in the circle this season, and how quickly pitchers embrace an overall staff approach, while elevating themselves individually will be critical."
  • "Certainly, our schedule presents some early challenges, including five tough games this weekend at UCLA and LMU. We'd love to get off to a fast start and set the tone for our season early, but more importantly we want to see improved levels of competitiveness, development, and execution over the course of the season, building week by week into the team we want to be when conference play rolls around."
`Runner Notes
  • Bakersfield returns the vast majority of its roster from the 2022 season, but the `Runners took two big hits with the graduation of sisters Cydney Curran and Cieana Curran.
  • While Sperl was officially hired late, he hit the ground running and did some solid recruiting in the time allowed. CSUB's roster enjoyed additions of several transfers as well as one incoming freshman, which were outlined in a recent, postion-by-position breakdown of the squad.
  • The `Runners finished the 2022 season with an 8-37 record while going 3-14 in their first go-around in The Big West.
  • Redshirt senior Samantha Martinez returns as the most veteran `Runner and will anchor the CSUB infield.
Scouting the Opposition
  • All three teams CSUB will face this weekend finished the 2022 season with RPIs in the Top 150: UCLA (3), LMU (55), and Utah State (148).
  • UCLA comes into the year ranked second in the preseason Top 25 poll. The Bruins went 51-10 on the way to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series.
  • LMU posted a 37-17 record a year ago, going 13-2 in WCC play on the way to NCAA Regionals. The Lions met up with UCLA in postseason and ultimately bowed out of Regionals with a 1-2 record.
  • Utah State went 28-28 last year, finishing fourth in the Mountain West standings (13-11).
~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Cydney Curran

#1 Cydney Curran

INF
5' 4"
Redshirt Senior
L/R
Cieana Curran

#7 Cieana Curran

OF
5' 7"
Senior
L/L
Samantha Martinez

#30 Samantha Martinez

INF
5' 4"
Redshirt Senior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Cydney Curran

#1 Cydney Curran

5' 4"
Redshirt Senior
L/R
INF
Cieana Curran

#7 Cieana Curran

5' 7"
Senior
L/L
OF
Samantha Martinez

#30 Samantha Martinez

5' 4"
Redshirt Senior
R/R
INF
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo