Considering the February temperatures, the Baker softball team began its 2009 campaign with hot bats Wednesday against Pittsburg State University.

The heat may have only been reflected on the score sheet for the first three innings, but the team realized within the first couple pitches that a disappointing 2008 was a thing of the past.

“We have such great team chemistry this year,” head coach Jennifer Rigdon said. “The whole team had a positive attitude the whole game – even when we were losing.”

The Wildcats jumped all over their NCAA Division II foe to begin the first contest, scoring three runs early and holding the Gorillas scoreless until the fourth.

Pitt State found its bats halfway through the contest and ended up winning the first game, 11-3.

Sophomore Brooke Pryor hit 2-3 in the game.

“We definitely came out hot,” Rigdon said. “We had several doubles. Then they started hitting like we knew they could, and they found some holes to score on us.”

Despite the seemingly lopsided score, the team said it was pleased with its opening effort considering the stiff competition.

“Pitt State was what we expected,” Pryor said. “We knew they were going to be really good hitters. We definitely expected a higher level of competition.”

The second game was much like the first, with the Wildcats jumping out to a 1-0 lead early in the game.

The ‘Cats came out swinging the bat well, but were unable to advance runners in scoring position and lost 5-1.

“We left a lot of runners on base in the second game,” sophomore Katie Worley said. “But we were definitely hitting the ball well (Wednesday).”

The team believes opening with Pitt State will help in the long run.

“I think playing tough competition at the beginning of the season helped us to get new experience,” Pryor said.