BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings softball will try to break out of a recent skid when they travel to play Saint Martin's University in a four-game series this weekend. The Yellowjackets are scheduled to play back-to-back doubleheaders March 8-9 with start times both days at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Francis L. Logan Field on the campus of Seattle University.
 
This week, the 'Jackets are looking to get back on track after falling in four straight games to Western Washington University in Bellingham.
 
"We are coming off a tough week, but I am positive the team is going to bounce back," commented head coach Jessica Rayman. "Saint Martin's is a tough team, but if we can play our best, these will be good games. I am confident in this group of young ladies and am excited to see them compete the way they know how to this week."
 
The Yellowjackets (6-11, 0-4 GNAC) are looking for their first conference victory while the Saints (6-6, 0-0 GNAC) are beginning the GNAC schedule having played four games last week in the Cavalier Classic in Portland, Oregon.
 
LAST TIME OUT: MSU Billings managed just one run combined through the first three games of the series against Western Washington and Mackinlee Sellevold threw a no-hitter against the 'Jackets in game two. MSUB's offense found traction in the final game of the series but the Vikings still prevailed in six-innings 18-9.
 
REYNOLDS FINDS THE FENCE: Payton Reynolds provided much of the Yellowjackets offense game four against WWU and connected for two home runs to right field and four runs batted in. Reynolds also went 2-for-3 and made three assists in the field at third base. The junior marked her first multi-hit game for the Yellowjackets against University of Mary, when she went 3-for-4 with one home run, one double, and six runs batted in. Reynolds leads MSU Billings with four home runs and is tied with three players for second in the category within the conference.


 
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Rylan Austin leads the Yellowjackets with a .308 batting average through 17 games. Austin has 16 hits with two doubles and six RBI. Allie Hughes is tied for the team lead with 12 runs batted in. Hughes is hitting .292 with 14 hits, four doubles, and three home runs. First baseman Brittanee Fisher has also been a steady lineup presence. Fisher holds a .292 average with 14 hits, four doubles, and two home runs.
 
IN THE CIRCLE: Maddy Lincoln continues to be relied upon heavily at starting pitcher for the Yellowjackets. Lincoln has 12 appearances and nine starts with nine complete games. In 63.1 innings pitched, Lincoln holds a 4.64 ERA and a 3-6 record. Lincoln leads MSUB with 45 strikeouts and opposing hitters are batting .303 against her. Alyssa Etheridge (2-3, 5.39 ERA) and Haley Couch (1-2, 5.95 ERA) remain bullpen and starting pitcher options for head coach Jessica Rayman.
 
Scouting Saint Martin's University
Game Day 1: Friday, March 8, 12:00/2:00 p.m.
Game Day 2: Saturday, March 9, 12:00/2:00 p.m.
2018-19 Record: 6-6, 0-0 GNAC, 0-0 home, 0-1 away, 6-6 neutral
Head Coach: Jim Peterson (first season)
2017-18 Record: 23-22, 13-15 GNAC, 7-7 home, 8-10 away, 8-10 neutral
 
The Saints went 2-2 in the Cavalier Classic last week with wins over Simpson University (California) and Northwest University. Last season, MSU Billings won three of four game against SMU in Billings and Lincoln made two starts.
 
This year, the Saints were picked sixth in the GNAC preseason coaches poll. Saint Martin's returned a core of GNAC all-conference selections. Pitcher Lauren Maley went 16-14 in the circle in 36 games last season with a 3.00 ERA and 52 strikeouts. At the plate, SMU returned Lauren Diuco who hit .310 with 40 hits and 18 stolen bases.
 
Rounding out the returners for the Saints include senior Alyssa French, outfield, a trio of catchers in Kylie Lopez, Devyn Connolly, and Julia Lucas, along with outfielders, Regan Byrd, and Emery Norwood. In the circle, the Saints also return Jessica O'Toole.
 
SMU graduated four seniors last season, including first team all-conference selection Lindsay Miller. Sabrina Hicks has picked up the mantel thus far, with 15 hits in 12 games and a .405 batting average. Hicks also leads the team with four home runs and 15 runs batted in. Trinity Favela is hitting .343 with 12 hits, one double, and four RBI. Lopez is hitting .258 with two doubles, two home runs, and 10 runs driven in.