The CWU Baseball team’s first weekend of the season started last week as they navigated weather challenges and early-season jitters to put forth a strong performance. In a recent interview. Coach Desi Storey shared insights on the team’s resilience, individual performances, and the mindset needed for continued success.
Despite rain delays forcing scheduling adjustments, the players adapted well. “We performed pretty well last weekend. Obviously, it’s the first weekend, but dealing with weather issues, I thought the guys came out and played well,” Storey said. Mistakes were made, but the team overcame them. “We didn’t concede anything, we didn’t press, and we just kept going about our business. That showed not just determination, but a lot of growth.”
The team encountered some difficulties in the field that led to lost leads in the opening game. However, they fought back. “We made some mistakes in the field that cost us the lead a couple of times, but we just kept fighting,” Storey said. The pitchers also played a crucial role, keeping the team in the game despite occasional setbacks. “Even on the mound, we had a couple of hiccups that hurt us, but we found a way to get back and score runs. Overall, it was a good start.”
One standout player was Washington State University senior transfer Brandham Ponce, who hit five home runs over the weekend of Feb. 1. The coach praised the six foot three inch utility player’s maturity and confidence. “He understands the game, he understands his abilities, and he’s very confident,” Storey said.
Reflecting on the start of the season, Ponce stated, “I was mostly just excited to get the season started, especially with spring coming up and the opportunity to meet all the new guys. Coach and I had our own story, and I was just eager to get going. That excitement helped ease any nerves I had out there.”
Storey talked about how Ponce’s leadership impacts the team. “I think because he’s so good, the guys look up to him and respect him, but also his demeanor and how he approaches things earn him that respect,” Storey explained.
Regarding Ponce’s recognition as Player of the Week, Ponce spoke on what it meant to earn his first GNAC award. “It gets me started off on the right foot. We also did sweep [Stanislaus State], and I think that had a huge part, especially with us not having an automatic bid into the playoffs. I heard these games at a conference in California are pretty big towards how our season can go, so I think getting the sweep this weekend helped,” Ponce stated.
Ponce, even as a transfer player, has quickly made an impact. “I recruited him out of high school, but he went to another junior college before transferring to Big Bend Community College. Then he went to WSU but didn’t play last year. He contacted me last summer because he had one year left, and now he’s here. It’s pretty impressive for his first weekend back,” Storey said.
As for keeping the team focused for the rest of the season, Storey emphasized a consistent mindset. “I’ve said it for 30-plus years—it’s always about us. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing; it’s about how we prepare and perform. Even after last weekend’s success, we understand there are areas to improve. That’s our focus moving forward.”
The ‘Cats stand at a 5-3 record on the year as Ponce and the baseball team will try to bounce back after consecutive losses with two games on the road against California State University of San Bernardino, one on Friday Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. and the other on Saturday Feb. 15 at 11 a.m.
