Tuesday, April 27, 2010

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 27, 2010) - The ETSU softball team begins its final four-game stretch of the 2010 season Wednesday evening when the Lady Bucs host Western Carolina in a non-conference doubleheader from the ETSU Softball Complex. First pitch of game one is slated for 5 p.m.

Despite knowing they can't make the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 2006, ETSU will look to end its season on a positive note by trying to sweep the Catamounts Wednesday and former conference rival Gardner-Webb Saturday, both at home.

ETSU (18-34) is led by senior shortstop Cheniece Cason (Moreno Valley, Calif.). Cason, who leads the club in batting average (.360), hits (64), runs scored (41) and triples (4), is looking to close out an illustrious career and become an all-conference player for the first time since her freshman season (All-Freshman Team). In addition to playing her way onto the all-conference team this week, Cason is also has five school records within reach. Currently, Cason eyeing the single-season records for hits, triples, runs scored, batting average and on-base percentage.

Over the past seven games, Cason, Katie Henderson (Jackson, Tenn.) and Katy Jett (Talbott, Tenn.) have been posting strong numbers for the Lady Bucs. Cason is hitting .480 (12-25), while Henderson is right behind at .471 (8-17) and Jett is 10 for her last 22 (.455) with three doubles, three runs scored and six RBI.

Western Carolina (10-35) has won three straight and five of its last seven.

The Catamounts are led by freshman outfielder Jordan Fulton who is posting a .319 batting average with a team-leading 45 hits and 28 runs scored. Fulton has also swiped a team-high 16 bases, while sophomore Chelsea Schaffer and freshman pitcher Amber Steinhardt have posted impressive numbers as well. Schaffer is hitting .308 with six doubles and five home runs and Steinhardt leads the team with eight doubles and 23 RBI.

Wednesday is "Military Appreciation Night" at the ETSU Softball Complex - meaning those who present their military ID will receive free admission. ETSU's ROTC will be on site with activities for fans to participate in.

Fans unable to make the trip to Johnson City can follow all the action online courtesy of ETSU live stats.

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