Softball Opens Season At Petersen Hotels Invite

Leathernecks will face Miami (OH), Washington, Saint Louis University and Bradley over two-day span

MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois softball team opens its season on Saturday (Feb. 10) at the Petersen Hotels Invite in Peoria. The Leathernecks will begin play on Saturday morning at 11:30 against Miami (Ohio) and at 2 p.m. versus the University of Washington. The Purple and Gold will conclude weekend play on the following day at 11:30 a.m. against Saint Louis University before finishing with host Bradley University at 3:30 p.m.

BRINGING BACK THE BATS: The Leathernecks return their top two leaders in batting average from last season. Hailey Duwa and Kelsey Marlow tied for a team-high .341 batting average, with the latter also leading the team in at-bats with 173. Duwa was second on the squad in home runs a season ago with seven long balls. Marlow claimed 13 doubles and six triples, both a team best.

RETURN OF THE ACE: 2017 Summit League 'Pitcher of the Year' Emily Ira is back in the circle for the Leathernecks after posting a 2.85 ERA in 33 appearances last season. The Iowa City native struck out 241 batters while opponents batted just .234 against her.

AT THE HELM: Beth Golitko takes over as head coach for the Leathernecks in 2018. She has spent nine years at Western Illinois, four as a player and five as a graduate assistant and assistant coach.

ROAD WARRIORS: The Purple and Gold will have to prove themselves on the road this season, as the squad's first 28 games are on the road. The Leathernecks do not play in Macomb until April 4 against Fort Wayne.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS: Miami (OH) finished its 2017 slate 29-24 and 14-9 in the MAC. The Redhawks dropped their only two MAC tournament games to end the season last year. The Leathernecks fell 4-3 to the Redhawks in their only matchup in 2017. The Washington Huskies ended their 2017 season boasting a 50-14 record and an appearance in the Women's College World Series. The Huskies fell to No. 2 Florida 5-2 in the national semifinals. The Saint Louis Billikens come into the 2017 campaign after a 25-25 season a year ago. Bradley University completed the 2017 season with a 21-32 overall record and a 7-19 mark in conference play.

LOOKING AHEAD: WIU travels to Boiling Springs, N.C. for a tournament hosted by Gardner-Webb from Feb. 16-18. The Leathernecks will play five games over the three-day span against Eastern Illinois, Gardner-Webb, Creighton and Western Carolina University.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Hailey Duwa: IF; 5' 10"; Junior; L/R

#17 Emily Ira: P/OF; 5' 7"; Junior; L/L

#10 Kelsey Marlow: IF; 5' 8"; Senior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#5 Hailey Duwa
: 5' 10"; Junior; L/R
: IF

#17 Emily Ira
: 5' 7"; Junior; L/L
: P/OF

#10 Kelsey Marlow
: 5' 8"; Senior; R/R
: IF

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Players Mentioned

#5 Hailey Duwa

#17 Emily Ira

#10 Kelsey Marlow

Players Mentioned

#5 Hailey Duwa

#17 Emily Ira

#10 Kelsey Marlow