May 11, 2005

LOGAN, Utah - In its final series of the 2005 season, Utah State's softball team looks to stretch its current winning streak to five as it faces the Pacific Tigers (28-24, 10-8) in Stockton, Calif. this weekend. The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. (MST), then close the series with a single game at noon on Saturday.

Utah State is 22-27 overall, already doubling its win total (10-41) from last season. The Aggies have gone 6-12 in the Big West this season and need just one win this weekend to one-up last season's conference record (6-15).

USU's progress this season can be credited to its betterment both on the field and in the batters box. The Aggies have turned a school record 33 double plays this season and have 12 more double plays than any other school in the conference. Their 69 errors thus far is also its fewest miscues since recording a similar number during the 1993 season.

In the batters box, Utah State has launched a school record 30 home runs this season. Sara Fleming has been responsible for 10 of those, tying her with Sandy Taylor (1999 & 2000) for the single-season home run record. Fleming has also scattered a league-high 16 doubles this season and is 20th in the nation in doubles per game (0.33). She is also third in the conference in both slugging percentage (.640) and total bases (96), and is fourth in home runs.

Quela Leonhardt has also had a hot bat as of late, going eight-for-15 (.533) with a double and four RBI in USU's current four-game unblemished streak. She currently leads the team in both batting average (.333) and RBI (29).

In the circle, the Aggies are led by junior Leslie Higley. Higley is 14-10 on the year with an ERA of 2.95. She has been almost untouchable in her last 11 starts, going 10-0 with an 1.79 ERA, including 10 complete games.