Weekend In Review:
The Truman softball team is looking to bounce back after finishing 0-4 at the Terri Mathis-Zenner Invitational that was hosted by Missouri Southern State University this past weekend. On day one, the Bulldogs fell to Central Oklahoma by a score of 7-2, and in the nightcap, Truman fell to Lindenwood (Mo.) University 2-1 after the Lions hit a sacrifice fly to take the lead in seventh. On Saturday, the Bulldogs struggled to hold the lead as they dropped games against Northeastern (Okla.) University (6-4) and Upper Iowa University (5-2).
 
Week At A Glance:
With Spring Break reaching the Truman State campus, the women's softball squad will continue their road trip this upcoming week with four, non-conference doubleheaders.
 
Starting on Monday, the team will be in Lawton, Okla. for a match-up against Cameron (Okla.) University. After that, they head down the road to Ada, Okla. with a contest against East Central (Okla.). Their third match-up of the week takes them to Wichita, Kan. for a pair against Newman (Kan.) University on Wednesday afternoon. Finally, the Bulldogs will wrap-up their road trip with a pair against Rockhurst (Mo.) University on Thursday.
 
Scouting the Competition:
Truman has never competed against the first three schools they will see this upcoming week, and have only seen Rockhurst one previous time. The 'Dogs hold the 1-0 edge over the Hawks, earning a convincing victory on Feb. 27, 2011. Junior pitcher Kristen Krause earned the win in the 13-5 victory last season.
 
Cameron University has compiled an 8-8 overall record and is 0-1 in conference play. Leslie Martini is their primary offensive threat against the 'Dogs, posting a .315 batting average so far with 17 hits and four homeruns.
 
East Central has tallied a 7-6 overall record, and 1-3 record in the Great American Conference. The Tigers main offensive threat comes from Emily Kennemer, who leads the Tigers in batting average with a .581 mark. She also leads the team in homeruns with seven.
 
As a member of the Heartland Conference, the Newman Jets have started the 2012 season with a 0-5 record prior to Sunday's contest. The Jets lost to Cameron University earlier this season.
 
The Rockhurst Hawks half started off the 2012 campaign with a 2-9 overall record and 0-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Six Rockhurst players have started in all 11 games, with Lizzy Tucker, Natalie Johnson and Toya Nelson all leading the squad with nine hits apiece.

Game Schedule:
Truman will hit the diamond four straight days, for four straight doubleheaders this upcoming week. Against Cameron, the 'Dogs are set for a 2:00 pm start. Against East Central, they take the field at 12:00 pm. Once in Wichita, the 'Dogs are scheduled for a 2:00 pm first pitch. On Thursday, Truman is set to start at 3:00 pm.

Current Weather Forecast:
The National Weather Service forecast varies for all four locations. While in Oklahoma, the Bulldogs will see clear weather with the chance of wind gusts as high as 25 with temperatures in the mid 70's. Once they head north to Wichita, highs will be around 60 with the chance of thunderstorms. On Thursday, highs in Kansas City will be closer to 50 with a 30% chance of precipitation.

MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll:
The Truman Softball squad was selected seventh in the MIAA Coaches poll released early February. The 'Dogs tallied up 39 points to come in six points ahead of Pittsburg (Kan.) State and Washburn (Kan.).

Top Ten Lists:
Three members of the Bulldog squad have crept up onto three of Truman's all-time top ten lists.

• Mary Manley started the 2012 campaign tied for eighth all-time for career doubles with 27. Through the first 13 games, she has added two to her total, putting her one ahead of former Bulldog Kristen Roberts at seventh all-time. She sits three behind LeAnn Paul and Loni Wedemier and six behind Jen Wright, who is fourth on the list. Kristi Bredbenner is on top the list with 55.
• Laura Miller started this season at ninth on the all-time stolen bases list with 34. This season, she is two-for-two in stolen bases, moving her total up to 36. This puts her four back of 2011 graduate Alex Weber and seven behind Jessie Shelman. Christen Belcher is the record holder by a landslide, stealing 153 bases while at Truman.
• Starting the season with 78 appearances and adding six since, Ashley Rotkvich has moved up to fifth on the all-time appearances in Truman history. She is one behind Breanna Wonderly and Britni Buford for third on the list. Jen Hulsopple is on top of the list with 132 appearances.

 Up Next:
After the set of games over spring break, the Bulldogs will host Lincoln (Mo.) University for the home opener on Saturday, March 10. The doubleheader will be the 44^th and 45^th meetings between the two schools. Truman holds a 39-4 record over the Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.