TACOMA, Wash. - A veteran-laden Pacific Lutheran University softball team opens the lid on the 2019 season this weekend, heading down to the Texas heat for a six-game tour of the Lone Star State.

The Lutes (15-23, 10-18 Northwest Conference) open their 2019 campaign on Saturday with a doubleheader against Trinity University. PLU has a tripleheader on Super Bowl Sunday, facing Southwestern University twice before a nightcap against Concordia University before capping off the trip with a single game on Monday against Concordia.

Pacific Lutheran heads into the season with nine returners, two transfers, and 10 first years. More importantly, the Lutes return seven players that hit above .300 last season and six All-NWC performers. That bunch includes, All-West Region honoree and the NWC Freshman of the Year Kennedy Robillard. Robillard was outstanding for the Lutes a season ago, leading the team at the plate with a .488 batting average along with 22 RBIs. Robillard additionally made 19 appearances in the circle, pitching 104 innings and racking up 36 strikeouts.

Joining Robillard on the diamond will be First Team All-NWC selection Kathryn Hatlen (.369 average/23 RBIs), Second Team All-NWC honoree Becca Sorensen (.307 average/19 runs scored), and Honorable Mention All-NWC picks Samantha Simundson, Anna Overland, and Bailey Plumb.

"Our top seven hitters returning is a huge asset to our team of course and they've set the tone for all the first years coming in," said first year Head Coach Traci Barrett. "And the good news is some of our first years are pretty effective hitters already and are pushing our returners every day in practice and competing really well."

While Barrett is new as the head coach, she is no stranger to the Lute softball program, serving as an assistant for the previous three seasons. The Lutes have enjoyed considerable success with Barrett on staff, winning 60 games over the past three seasons and advancing to the NWC Tournament title game in 2017. Her familiarity with the players and the program have made for a smooth transition.

"More than anything I'm striving for some consistency. The returning players knew what I was about as an assistant. They've done a great job of anything I've put in front of them they've been excited for. The number one thing I did was try and make them feel important and that our softball program is blessed to have them on the roster. Letting them know that there isn't a day of the week they aren't thought of by the coaching staff, the University, and the athletic department."

Barrett has been happy with the expanded roster size this season and the depth it has provided, especially inside the circle where the Lutes have to fill the void left from the graduation of All-NWC selection Marissa Miller.

That expanded battery will rely heavily on Robillard and first-year Z Ellis who joins the Lutes after a standout prep career in Arizona.

"We have a bigger pitcher roster this year. We have five players who are used to considerable time in the circle. Z Ellis came to us as a primary position pitcher and we're pretty happy with where her bat is so she may see a little action at the plate as well. I believe Z and Kennedy compliment each other well and will see the most starts this year."

In addition to Robillard and Ellis, the Lutes will utilize Mari Foster and Marley Dyer in the circle while Kathryn Hatlen looks to make appearances as a reliever.

"We have Mari Foster who was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawaii coming in and Marley Dyer who also saw considerable pitching time. Both have for the first time hit the weight room consistently and gotten stronger since the fall and we've seen that already in the first weeks of practice. Kathryn Hatlen will be a great reliever for the four we have."

"We definitely have a more versatile roster this year we have players that are able to fill in multiple different roles. No one has sown up a spot in our lineup and that's how the whole season will be. Eventually we will have some players settle into a few roles but at any moment I feel like I could pinch hit 10 of our players and they have a great chance of being successful."

This weekend marks the first test for the Lutes to show their mettle and build on a strong finish to 2018 that saw the Lutes win seven of their final 10 games.

"We need some games and test ourselves. We know each other like the back of our hand, which going into battle now collectively is helpful."

Feb. 2: PLU vs. Trinity in San Antonio, Texas (12 p.m. Central Time)

Series History: The Lutes and Tigers have met three times since the series began in 2001. PLU holds a 2-1 advantage in the series with the last meeting coming during the 2014 campaign.

About the Tigers: Trinity wrapped up the 2018 season with a 17-28 overall record and a 6-18 mark in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Devon Potter returns after leading the Tigers at the plate last season with a .366 average while Stephanie Crumrine returns after racking up 22 RBIs in 2018.

Trinity additionally returns its top two pitchers from a season ago in Allie Holbrook and Adrienne Edwards. Holbrook struck out 61 in 129 innings of work with a 3.42 earned run average while Edwards at 35 punchouts in 77 2/3 innings of action.

Feb. 3: PLU vs. Southwestern in Georgetown, Texas (11:30 a.m. Central Time)

Series History: This is the first all-time meeting between the Lutes and Pirates.

About the Pirates: Southwestern (23-17, 9-11 SCAC) advanced to the SCAC Tournament Championship game last season before falling 8-1 to Texas Lutheran University.

Kaitlynn Copher headlines the Pirate offense, boasting a .391 batting average with 17 extra base hits and 40 RBIs while Sydney Scott and Katie Bricarell both hit at a .380 clip in 2018.

Inside the circle Lindsey Longuet returns after posting a 2.59 ERA with 51 strikeouts while Bailey Meyer returns after leading the team in appearances (25), wins (11), innings pitched (84 1/3) and strikeouts (102).

Feb. 3: PLU vs. Concordia in Austin, Texas (7 p.m. Central Time)
Feb. 4: PLU vs. Concordia in Austin, Texas (1:30 p.m. Central Time)

Series History: The Lutes and Tornados have never met on the diamond.

About the Tornados: Concordia (25-18, 19-11 American Southwest Conference) had a banner season in 2018, recording the second most wins in program history.

The Tornados were picked to finish third in the ASC Preseason Poll with Haley Dennett, Diana Payne, and Simone Langland all earning a spot on the ASC's Players to Watch list.

Dennett led Concordia last season at the plate, boasting a .392 average and scoring 18 runs while earning Second Team All-ASC. Inside the circle, Langland made 22 appearances and 18 starts, striking out 63 while posting a 9-4 record.