MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead softball team opens the 2019 regular season Feb. 12-13 at the Dragon-Beaver Battle. The Dragons will play four nonconference games at the two-day event.

The Dragons will open their season against Southwest Minnesota State at 10 a.m.  and Minnesota Crookston at 12 p.m. on Tuesday. On Wednesday the Dragons will play Bemidji State at 9 a.m. and Southwest Minnesota State at 11 a.m.

First-year head coach Amanda Reckamp said, "I am excited to see roles develop early in the season and for us to gain traction in vying for a spot in the conference tournament.  We know that goal is attainable with the group we have--now we have to fight for it."

The Dragons return six position-player starters and two pitchers from last year's team that finished 14-30. Junior outfielder Madison Paige led the Dragons in average (.359) and RBI's (28) last season but will sit out the 2019 season recovering from an injury.

Senior shortstop Taylor Roddie is back after hitting .294 in 27 games. Roddie was limited due to injury, but recorded three homers, 12 RBI, and four doubles. Junior pitcher/infielder Payton Gaber started all 44 games last season a hit .291 with a team-best nine doubles.

Sophomore outfielder Elizabeth Johnson hit .252 with six doubles and eight multi-hit games last season. Johnson was named to the 2018 NSIC Gold Glove Team after posting a .963 fielding percentage in the outfield. Sophomore Ashley McCance led the team with five homers last season while hitting .325 on the year.

Junior infielder Emma Dummer hit .258 with six doubles and a team-best 96 assists on defense. Senior infielder Lexie Kennedy hit .210 with four homers and 21 RBI last season. Redshirt-freshman Samantha Gjerde will look to make an impact in the outfield after transferring from South Dakota State.

MSUM's roster boasts eight freshmen: Savannah Drey (2B), Shay Weber (OF), Jordie McNeily (C), Jordey Smith (OF), Amber Klug (IF), Kaiya Sundeen (C/3B), Anna Lang (P), and Ally Helgoe (IF).

"The freshmen have really pushed the level of intensity from the moment they stepped on the field.  They play fearlessly which is good to see out of a young group.  Their energy and talent is high.  It will be exciting to see them make impacts right away," said Coach Reckamp.

Sophomore Becky Berth returns to the mound after leading the team with eight wins and one shutout last season. Berth had a 5.94 ERA in 132.0 innings pitched. Gaber saw action in the circle last season with an ERA of 8.20 in 42.2 innings pitched. Freshman Anna Lang will join the pitching staff after an all-conference high school career.

"We are a much better team than even this fall.  Everyone has made gains and there is a level of excitement that has been created.  This group is hungry and if we can sustain that, we will see a change in how our competitors view us," said Coach Reckamp.  "I believe as we move through the season, we will continue to solidify our new identity and find out what Team 45 is made of."