CSUMB softball

 The reigning CCAA champions and nations No. 3 ranked team in Division II begin defense of their conference title today at noon at CSU-San Bernardino.
 The Otters are off to a 7-0 start this season behind hurlers Cori Reinhardt and Lindsey Clarkson -- both 20 plus game winners last year.
 The bats have shown no signs of a winter slump, outscoring opponents 64-9, producing 10 or more runs in four games.
 All nine starters in the lineup are back, including Madison Casto, who is hitting .700. Bianca Noriega and Danica Arterburn have combined for five home runs.
 As a team, the Otters are hitting .419.
 Last year at this time the Otters -- who set a school record for wins with 48 -- were just 5-2.