From the whipping winds of Buffalo, to the scorching sun of Arizona, the UB softball team ventures to the Arizona State Tournament this weekend to play a six-game set against ASU and New Mexico State.
The Bulls (3-5) kick things off today at 5 p.m. against New Mexico State in a 5 p.m. game.
Buffalo's season has been challenging thus far, as they have faced tough teams including No. 9 Alabama at last weekends Frost Classic. Not helping any matters was the lack of their starting shortstop Lauren Picciano, who will be out with a fractured leg for six to eight weeks.
In the past two tournaments UB has showed what they are capable of and what needs to be done to be a quality team.
From the viewpoint of the team, the upcoming tournament looks promising. They are ready and determined to bring home a victory.
"I'm excited for the games this weekend," said aophomore Theresa Gugger. "Arizona State and New Mexico State are good teams but we proved last weekend that we can stay in any game so we are definitely not worried."
Teamwork, hard work and daily practice has given the Bulls the ammunition to compete at their best.
"The base of a good team starts with team unity," said junior outfielder Ann Magur. "We have a very close knit team. Our team practices have been pretty intense, especially during preseason, and getting through those together is both mentally and physically challenging. So we help each other every step of the way."
New Mexico State and Arizona State have high ranks and will provide the Bulls with great competition to get them ready for conference play. Senior Heather Robbins said high ranks do not matter.
"Each opponent we face is the same as any other team," said Robbins. "We have the confidence that if we go out there and play the way we have been taught, and with the intensity we have been training at, we will be successful no matter who is on the other side."
Buffalo plays at 5 p.m. today against New Mexico State and then plays Arizona State at 7 p.m.
