Seven games don't make a season, but they can be an indicator of what lies ahead.
After a 6-1 start, those indicators point toward a smooth road for the ASU softball team.
"We have really good energy, and it looks like we're going to do well all season," ASU sophomore first baseman Sharee Zaleski said. "We have good communication. Everything I could expect from this team, we have."
Coming off a split against Hawaii, ASU returns to Farrington Stadium tonight for the Littlewood Classic.
The Sun Devils (6-1) open at 5 p.m. against Illinois State. They're scheduled to face Iowa at 7 p.m. On Saturday, they'll meet Iowa and Long Island. They'll close the tournament Sunday against Long Island.
Junior utility infielder Jen McCard said her team has grown closer through the first seven games of the season.
"We definitely have come together as a team and we've meshed really well," McCard said. "Our communication is good. We're really excited to come out and play."
ASU holds a 22-2 advantage all time over Illinois State (6-2). The Sun Devils beat Ilinois State 9-3 last season. The Sun Devils are 14-8 all-time against Iowa, dropping two of three games to the Hawkeyes last season. They've never faced Long Island.
None of the teams in the Littlewood Classic were in the latest national rankings. Iowa (3-1) did receive 11 votes. ASU received 26 votes. The Sun Devils have yet to play a ranked team.
ASU coach Linda Wells said she's happy with her team's fast start, but she's not looking too far ahead.
"We have that ability to pick it up and get it done," Wells said. "I'm really impressed that we cover for one another. We've been playing very confident in our ability. It's just kind of hard to be going to the bank with anything yet."
No Sun Devil has played with more confidence than freshman utility infielder Mindy Cowles, who leads the team with five home runs and 13 RBIs. Her teammates have combined for three home runs and 23 RBIs.
In a 2-0 win over Hawaii, Cowles carried ASU with two solo home runs. The rest of the team had four hits.
Wells said the onus falls on everyone to contribute.
"We have to make sure that everyone has to step up, not just two or three players in the lineup," Wells said.
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.
