HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay softball team will open the 2015 season at Pioneer Field on Sunday, Feb. 1, against Dominican. It is the first of three straight home non-conference doubleheaders as the Pioneers prepare for California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play which begins two weeks later.

Last season the team was forced to postpone its season opening contests multiple times due to heavy rainfall. Sunday's forecast calls for "a mix of sun and clouds, with highs in the upper 60's and zero percent chance of rain," according to weather.com at the time of this release.

Cal State East Bay is 13-5 in its last 18 games against Dominican including a two-game sweep of the Penguins last year. Emily Perlich surrendered just one run in her complete game victory, and teammate Kelsey Cairns went five innings and allowed two runs to win game two.

The Pioneers also return pitcher Jordan Abel who went 9-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 21 appearances and seven starts as a freshman. Joining the arms this season are junior transfers Sierra Clark (Felton, Calif./Cabrlilo College) and Tatiana Beilstein (Valley Springs, Calif./San Joaquin Delta College).

A majority of the team's hitters return from 2014 led by junior Lauren Vestal's .340 average and 13 doubles. Catcher Ali Cerminara and third baseman Marisa Lerma were major contributors as freshmen and will look to improve upon successful inaugural seasons with the Pioneers in 2015.

This squad is loaded with senior talent headed by Perlich and Kelsey LaVaute. The North Idaho College teammates found success together at Cal State East Bay last season. LaVaute smashed 12 homers and drove in a team-high 45 RBI, while Perlich picked up 14 wins and 138 strikeouts to pace the staff.

Jaynie MacDonald started 50-of-53 games last season and was named CCAA Player of the Week during her junior season. She finished with a .271 batting average, six homers, and 24 RBI.

Head Coach Barbara Pierce is hoping her squad can provide her with a birthday present to open the 2015 season. The Pioneers are unbeaten (2-0) when playing on the skipper's birthday after defeating Academy of Art on Feb. 1, 2012.