Hot-hitting Long Beach State softball heads to NCAA regional

Kim Sowder knew her team was going to be better this year.
There was nowhere else to go after ranking last in the Big West in batting average last season. But even the Long Beach State head coach didn’t think things would get this good this fast.
“Did I think 42 wins right out of the gate?” Sowder said. “I’m not sure.”
A renewed sense of confidence and commitment to preparation helped Long Beach State (42-12) rocket from worst to first in the Big West in batti