The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver
mymetmedia.com
VOL. 42 NO. 20
@themetonline
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
themetropolitan
Softball swings for the future Roadrunners eye 2020 RMAC tourney, split opening weekend
Photo by Will Satler | wsatler@msudenver.edu
MSU Denver third baseman Olivia Dampier and pitcher Destinee Lopez celebrate after Dampier made a diving catch to strand two runners in scoring position in the seventh inning in a game against Sioux Falls University at the Regency Athletic Complex on Feb. 1.
By Will Satler
2019. They’re looking to return to form
But in their opening weekend, it
Feb. 1. Despite standout performers,
wsatler@msudenver.edu
when they appeared in the NCAA DII
was evident that two freshmen, among
they walked away with a 3-2 record.
College World Series in 2010 and won
others, were going to hold key roles
four RMAC postseason tournaments.
if the Roadrunners want a shot at the
things, good pieces and really good
postseason: third baseman Olivia Dampier
moments,” head coach Annie Van
and pitcher/first baseman Kayla Banks.
Wetzinga said. “It’s just us putting it
The young talent for the MSU Denver softball team is looking
MSU Denver is led by returning talents
to help the Roadrunners make a
Darby McGhee — an All-South Central
deep postseason run in 2020.
Region selection as a junior utility/pitcher
The Roadrunners were picked to finish
“I think we’ve had a lot of good
The Roadrunners hosted Humboldt
together. We have, but we also have
in 2019 — and 2019 RMAC Freshman of
State University for three games — a
fourth in the Rocky Mountain Athletic
the Year outfielder Rebecca Gonzales,
doubleheader on Jan. 31 and a solo game
Conference Preseason Coaches Poll after
who anchored the top of the Roadrunners’
on Feb. 2 — as well as the University
a 31-27 overall and 23-14 RMAC record in
lineup, hitting .359 in her 2019 campaign.
of Sioux Falls for a doubleheader on
INSIDE
NEWS
| pg. 3
OPINION
| pg. 6
FEATURES
| pg. 8
moments that are kind of backbreakers.”
| Continued on pg. 11
SPORTS
| pg. 12
Previewing the Women in Sports
Pueblo is a city that’s a diamond in
Black History Month kicks off in
Women’s basketball team finds
Management Panel
the rough
Denver, Five Points plays a big role
its identity