Monday, March 15, 2010

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 15, 2010) - After playing 22 straight road games to start the season, the ETSU softball team finally returns to Johnson City on Tuesday afternoon when the Lady Bucs host Liberty in its home-opener. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m. at the ETSU Softball Complex.

The Lady Bucs are led by senior Cheniece Cason (Moreno Valley, Calif.) - who leads the team in hitting (.333), runs scored (20), hits (23), and triples (4). Meanwhile, fellow senior Trisha Massenzo (Russellville, Tenn.) has been red-hot as of late after going 8-for-16 (.500) with two doubles, two home runs, three runs scored and seven RBI in the Bayer CropScience Classic in Fresno, Calif. Massenzo was named to the all-tournament team at the conclusion of play Saturday following the stellar performance.

ETSU (9-13) looks to turn things around after losing eight of its ten games on the west coast road swing.

Like the Lady Bucs, Liberty (10-6) has also faced a difficult schedule. The Flames have played three ranked opponents over their last seven games and Liberty has dropped four of those contests.

The Flames are led by sophomore infielder Kelly Strickland, as she leads the club with a .383 average and 18 hits on the year. Of those 18 hits, six have left the yard, while four have gone for doubles.

Fans who bring three plastic bottles to be recycled will get in for a BUC ($1) - which ties into the special "Go Green" promotion for St. Patrick's Day. Also, youth teams (12 and under) get in for a $1 when they wear their team jersey.

For more information on Lady Buccaneer softball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.