Nevada softball: Wolf Pack, under new leadership, opens 2022 season Friday

With 17 players returning, and a new head coach to lead them, the Nevada softball team will open its 2022 season on Friday.

First-year coach Linda Garza takes over for the Wolf Pack, replacing Josh Taylor, who left for Louisiana Tech in the offseason. Garza was the head coach at Fresno State for five seasons, compiling a 161-82 record.

Nevada is coming off a 24-16 season in a year that had a handful of games affected by COVID-19 guidelines.

Among the Pack’s returnees are Chelie Senini (.347 average; 51 hits), a first-team All-Mountain West selection, and Sam Oliver (.330), a second-team pick.

Blake Craft (10-7, 3.57 ERA) is expected to lead the pitching staff.

Nevada was picked to finish fifth…