MONMOUTH, Ore. --- The Western Oregon softball team opens its 2023 campaign Wednesday at the WOU Softball Field with the first game starting at 11 a.m.

THE WOLVES HEADING INTO THE SEASON | 2022 STATISTICS
The Wolves are coming a 24-26 season in 2022, including going 9-15 in the GNAC to finish in fifth place. Eight starting position players return from thAT squad, led by All-Region and All-GNAC first teamer Logan Carlos. The senior led the GNAC in slugging percentage (.678), triples (6), total bases (116) and hits (65) while batting .380 with 10 homers, nine doubles, 37 RBI, 37 runs and a 1.143 OPS. 

Natalie Willoughby, who was named All-GNAC Second Team last season, returns behind the plate after leading the Wolves in home runs (11), RBI (39) and doubles (12) while hitting .355 with 35 runs and a 1.112 OPS. Sophie Franklin (.298 AVG, .404 OBP, 18 RBI, 24 R, 12 SB), Kate Ronning (.264, 14 RBI), Kirah McGlothan (.264, 3 HR, 9 2B, 28 RBI, 25 R, 5 SB), Maddie Doig (.257, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 19 R) and Bella Valdes (.204, 9 RBI, 23 R, 5 SB) all return after starting 37 or more games for the Wolves last season.

In the circle, WOU returns All-GNAC Second Team pitcher Maddie Mayer after the left-hander went 9-10 with a 3.11 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 117 innings pitched. Chelsea Smith also returns after being second on the team innings pitched (93.2) - going 9-6 with a 3.81 ERA and 102 strikeouts and opponents batting .237 against her. Nicki Derrick (3.55 ERA, 23.2 IP, 19 SO) and Erica Soliz (6.1 IP last season) could also see time in the circle this season.

The Wolves will also feature seven freshmen and three transfers on the roster this upcoming season.

This will be WOU's only home games as it hits the road for 13-consecutive games before welcoming Central Washington Feb. 25 at home in a non-conference four-game series.

The Wolves open GNAC play March 11 on the road at Saint Martin's. WOU was picked fifth in the GNAC Preseason Poll behind Northwest Nazarene (unanimous No. 1), Saint Martin's , Western Washington and Central Washington and ahead of MSU Billings and Simon Fraser.