Stout competition awaits the Lady Bulldogs this weekend as they travel to Palm Springs, Calif. for the Palm Springs Classic.
The Dawgs will face a wealth of tough teams including No. 1 ranked California-Berkeley.
The 9-3 Lady Bulldogs will also face No. 20 Oregon State, Cal-State-Fullerton, Pacific and Utah. Senior Jennifer Jessup looks forward to the competition.
“I always look forward to going (to Palm Springs) because of the competition,” Jessup said. “I love playing competition because you rise to the occasion.”
Jessup is batting .375 with one home run and six RBI’s on the season and hopes to continue her success against the Golden Bears of California.
The Bulldogs have a lot to gain from the trip. Assistant Coach Bo Reid hopes playing the No. 1 team will help when regional bids are passed out.
“Playing in these tough tournaments helps our RPI, which is important later in the year when we’re trying to get in a regional,” Reid said.
Senior Tanelda McDonald thinks the experience of facing tough competition will help the ball club play better throughout the year.
“It helps a lot, it lets us know what we need to work on, and when we win it helps build our confidence,” McDonald said.
McDonald is tied for the team lead in doubles with three and is batting .382 so far this season.
Jessup thinks the experience will prepare the team for a tough Southeastern Conference.
“When you play people that are No. 1, that makes us a better team and prepares us for the SEC,” Jessup said.
No matter how tough the opponents are the Lady Bulldogs are not intimidated.
“I try not to focus on the name or their ranking; I just play ball,” McDonald said.
Jessup spoke confidently about the Bulldogs chances for victory this weekend.
“It is harder to stay on top than it is to get there,” she said.