PUEBLO, Colo. (February 19, 2021) - The Colorado State University Pueblo softball team will open the 2021 season at home this week, hosting conference-foe Adams State University and Bethany College (KS) of the NAIA in a nonconference pod series at Rawlings Softball Complex..

Following a 2020 season that was cut short due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the ThunderWolves are back with several new additions and key returners to the lineup.

Game Information
Due to COVID 19 safety protocols, no fans will be allowed at any of the games this weekend.

Stats and Video Stream
Live stats and video links can be found on the ThunderWolves' schedule page here.

Season Expectations

• The ThunderWolves are preseason picked to finish 9th in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
• There are 13 softball programs in the RMAC.

Opening Day

• CSU Pueblo is 8-18 all-time in season openers.
• Last season, the ThunderWolves opened the season Feb. 7, against Southern Nazarene, falling 8-6 while at the Lubbock Sports Invitational in Lubbock, Texas.

Last Season

• CSU Pueblo's record was 2-20 and 2-10 in RMAC play before the season was suspended.

The New Kids

• Taylor Puga (Jr., Pueblo, Colo.), Katelynn Ralston (Fr., Colorado Springs, Colo.), Sophia Lishner (Pitcher, Gilbert, Ariz.), and Oakleigh Kearby (Fr., Meridian, Idaho)

The Returners

• Gabby Moreno (2B, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
• Sabrina Felix (OF, Corona, Calif.)
• Marissa Piatt (3B, San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
• Isabel Griego (SS, Loveland, Colo.)
• Taylor Strupp (Pitcher, San Tan Valley, Ariz.)
• Samantha Riesen (Pitcher, Independence, Calif.)
• Emma Flynn (Catcher, Longmont, Colo.)

Coach Talk

• CSU-Pueblo head coach Christie Koschke is beginning her 9th season at the helm of the ThunderWolves.
• Entering the season, Koschke is tied for second in all time wins (156) at CSU Pueblo. In 2020, Koschke caught up to Marty Blowers who coached the Pack from 1998-2002.

Looking at Bethany College (KS) Swedes

• CSU Pueblo is 2-0 all time versus Bethany. The Pack beat the Swedes, 8-0 on Feb. 4, 2001 at a neutral site.
• Bethany College, of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, was 13-11 before the season was canceled.
• Bethany is slated to finish sixth in the 13-team KCAC Preseason Poll.

Looking at Adams State Grizzlies

• Adams State was 4-14 and 2-9 in RMAC place before the season called.
• The ThunderWolves are 61-47 all-time against Adams State. In the last meeting, Apr. 6-7, 2019, CSU Pueblo won the series 3-1 over Adams. The Pack won the first three games, including a run-rule 13-5 victory in game three.
• This season, ASU is preseason picked 10th in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

- PACK -