Oklahoma State University Athletics
Wichita State Game Provides Homecoming Opportunity
March 22, 2016 | Cowgirl Softball
Stillwater, Okla.---- When Oklahoma State takes on Wichita State tomorrow in Wichita, Kan., it will be a homecoming trip for Jessi Haffner.
The sophomore is a Wichita, Kan., native, and was four-time All-State First Team selection during her career at Bishop Carroll High School, where she posted a 14-0 record as a pitcher during her senior season.
The demands of being a Division I athlete means that Haffner doesn't get to spend much time with her family despite Wichita being 2 hours away.
"I haven't been home in a month and before that I hadn't gone home since Christmas break," Haffner said. "So really during the season I don't get to go home very much."
Her dominant high school career put her on the Shockers' radar when it came to recruiting, but she ultimately chose coming to Stillwater rather than staying home.
"I was being recruited by them when I was younger," Haffner said. "I always liked the atmosphere. They're really well coached and the type of players they recruit they're just relentless.
"So we have to make sure once we get ahead we stay ahead and try to stay on top."
In the team's previous meeting this season the Cowgirls took home a 4-3 win at Cowgirl Stadium thanks to a Randee O'Donnell grand slam.
Coach Kenny Gajewski echoed Haffner's sentiments toward Wichita State being a difficult team to face.
"They're a good team. They're scrappy, they play hard, they play tough," Gajewski said. "We just need to go up there and play our game.
"Their mentality is good I like it."
A win over the Shockers would mark the second consecutive series win for the Pokes after taking two-of-three against Houston this past weekend.
Infielder Vanessa Shippy is looking to extend her streak of consecutive games reaching base to 24, which is a team high for the season.
Also making a trip home for the Cowgirls is assistant coach Mike Viramontez, another Wichita native.
Similar to Haffner, Viramontez says he doesn't get the chance to go home often, but is excited to be able to see family and friends, even if for a brief moment.
"I'm really excited to get home and see a bunch of people that I know will be there watching us," Viramontez said. "But we got one job to do and that's going and getting a 'W' and that's the most important thing."
First pitch is at 7 p.m. from Wilkins Stadium. Online coverage of the game can be found at okstate.com or you can follow the Cowgirls as they hit the road on Twitter (@CowgirlSB).
The sophomore is a Wichita, Kan., native, and was four-time All-State First Team selection during her career at Bishop Carroll High School, where she posted a 14-0 record as a pitcher during her senior season.
The demands of being a Division I athlete means that Haffner doesn't get to spend much time with her family despite Wichita being 2 hours away.
"I haven't been home in a month and before that I hadn't gone home since Christmas break," Haffner said. "So really during the season I don't get to go home very much."
Her dominant high school career put her on the Shockers' radar when it came to recruiting, but she ultimately chose coming to Stillwater rather than staying home.
"I was being recruited by them when I was younger," Haffner said. "I always liked the atmosphere. They're really well coached and the type of players they recruit they're just relentless.
"So we have to make sure once we get ahead we stay ahead and try to stay on top."
In the team's previous meeting this season the Cowgirls took home a 4-3 win at Cowgirl Stadium thanks to a Randee O'Donnell grand slam.
Coach Kenny Gajewski echoed Haffner's sentiments toward Wichita State being a difficult team to face.
"They're a good team. They're scrappy, they play hard, they play tough," Gajewski said. "We just need to go up there and play our game.
"Their mentality is good I like it."
A win over the Shockers would mark the second consecutive series win for the Pokes after taking two-of-three against Houston this past weekend.
Infielder Vanessa Shippy is looking to extend her streak of consecutive games reaching base to 24, which is a team high for the season.
Also making a trip home for the Cowgirls is assistant coach Mike Viramontez, another Wichita native.
Similar to Haffner, Viramontez says he doesn't get the chance to go home often, but is excited to be able to see family and friends, even if for a brief moment.
"I'm really excited to get home and see a bunch of people that I know will be there watching us," Viramontez said. "But we got one job to do and that's going and getting a 'W' and that's the most important thing."
First pitch is at 7 p.m. from Wilkins Stadium. Online coverage of the game can be found at okstate.com or you can follow the Cowgirls as they hit the road on Twitter (@CowgirlSB).
Players Mentioned
RHP/1B
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SS
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IF
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