Wednesday, February 17, 2010

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 17, 2010) - After suffering a 7-3 setback in its season-opener last Sunday at Charlotte, the ETSU softball team looks to hit the win column for the first time in 2010 as the Lady Bucs travel to Furman on Thursday afternoon. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m. inside Pepsi Stadium.

The Lady Bucs, who pounded out seven hits against the 49ers, were led by senior shortstop Cheniece Cason's (Moreno Valley, Calif.) 2-for-3 effort. Cason reached base three times after posting a triple, run scored and a walk.

After sweeping the Paladins back in 2007, both teams have split the doubleheader meetings the last two seasons. A year ago, Furman played spoilers, as the Paladins defeated the Lady Bucs, 5-2, in ETSU's first-ever game played inside the ETSU Softball Complex. However, the Blue and Gold bounced back behind Darci Gilbert's (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) two-hit shutout, as ETSU blanked Furman, 3-0, in the nightcap.

Furman (1-0) is coming off a 5-4 nine-inning win over Charleston Southern last Friday afternoon. Senior right-hander Lana Mackey entered in relief to earn the win, after scattering four hits and one earned run while striking out 12 Buccaneer hitters in eight innings. With that performance, Mackey was named Southern Conference Pitcher of the Week. Mackey was also named to Preseason All-Southern Conference Team, while Furman was picked seventh by the league coaches. 

Fans unable to make the trip to Greenville can follow all the action online through live stats, courtesy of the Furman athletic department. To access live stats, visit http://www.furmanpaladins.com/ or click on the link above.

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