Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Sonoma State begins defense of its conference tournament softball title Friday against Chico State in Stockton.

After a second place regular season finish in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, the Seawolves – 33-20 overall, 23-13 in conference — hope to match last season’s run to the NCAA Division II West Regionals.

Friday’s opening game at Arnaiz Field has top seed UC San Diego facing Cal State Dominguez Hills. The double-elimination tournament continues through Sunday with the winner earning the CCAA’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Closing regular season play against the three tournament teams, Sonoma State split four game series with Dominguez Hills and San Diego and took three of four from Chico.

Leading the Seawolves are six players named to the All-Conference Team announced Thursday, the most for any CCAA team.

A school-record five Seawolves received First Team honors: Sophomore pitcher Samantha Lipperd; senior second baseman Kayla Ledford; senior shortstop Rochelle Vanyi; senior designated player Jesse Talaugon;  and senior utility player Brittany Martinez. Junior catcher Skylynn Myers made the Second Team.

The Sonoma State-Chico game is set for 7 p.m.. It will be broadcast live via internet radio on the Seawolf Sports Network, Channel 2 at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sonoma-state-seawolves-2.

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