(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Softball team opens the 2011 conference season this Saturday and Sunday when the team travels to #8 Winona State University and Upper Iowa University. First pitch for the doubleheaders is scheduled to be at 1 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.
 
The Golden Eagles are currently 6-8 in non-conference play after going 5-5 at the Cocoa Expo from March 12-16. The team is led offensively by Kayla Bowar (SS, 5-4, Sr, Moorhead, Minn.) who is batting .458 (22-48). She leads the team in hits, doubles, RBI, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. She is tied for the team lead in runs scored with Sarena Diederichs (C, 5-8, Sr, St. Cloud, Minn.). Steph Thomas (P/DP, 5-9, Sr, St. Albert, Alberta) leads the pitching core with a 3-2 record. She has a 3.32 ERA and leads the team with 31.2 innings pitched.
 
#8 Winona State is currently 14-3 overall this season. The team is led offensively by Kathy Crudo who is batting .436 (24-55). Courtney Strang leads the Warrior pitchers with an 8-2 record. She has struck out 56 batters in 60 innings.
 
Upper Iowa is 4-19 overall this season. The team is led by Erin Bennek's .403 (25-62) batting average. She leads the Peacocks in triples, RBI and slugging percentage. Ashley Brown has two victories for UIU in the pitchers circle. She has thrown 32.2 innings and has recorded 13 strikeouts.
 
UMC's home opener with Bemidji State on April 5 will more than likely be pushed back to a later date do to field conditions. The Golden Eagles will look to travel to Mayville State on April 7 for a non-conference double-header. The first game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. UMC returns home on April 9 and 10 to host Southwest Minnesota State and #15 Minnesota State, Mankato. Game times are set for noon each day.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
 
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