GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence softball team will take the field for the first time in 362 days when the Argos host Oregon Tech in a pair of doubleheaders this weekend. The action will kick off with two games on Friday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and a pair on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Argos have had a long journey to get to opening day. The team only got to compete in 12 games last year before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season. Because the first semester was online school, the team didn't get to be together until January, costing the team an entire fall season together.

"Last season ended so shortly," head coach Joey Egan said. "This season we didn't have a fall season. They've had a year off almost. Getting back has been a little rusty, but we keep coming back to we get to compete. It felt like gameday was never going to get here. Then this week it felt like it snuck up on us. Everybody is just so excited that we get to be on the field, we get to play. Nothing has restricted them from getting to play the game that they love."

Though they had a shortened preseason, there are plenty of positives to take away. The time away from each other has increased the team's commitment to making every day count, and has also helped them off the field.

"They have great chemistry," Egan said. "This team works well together. Obviously everyone has their ups and downs but this team supports each other, gets behind each other, lifts each other up. These guys stick together really well and they feed off each other. I think if we can get something going early then they'll feed each off other which will continue throughout the game."

The Argos won't get any breaks this weekend. The Argos will take on a talented Oregon Tech team who, since receiving votes in the Preseason Poll, has raced out to a 10-0 start.

"They've always been a really strong team," head coach Joey Egan said. "They've had multiple appearances at the final site for the final series. They are always just tough. They're very well-coached, they are a very respectable nice team to play against. They are always just solid. They're just very consistent. They're used to winning and they're good at it."