CHARLESTON, S.C. (Feb. 28, 2008) - The ETSU softball team continues its grueling stretch of tournament play this weekend as they gear up for the College of Charleston Tournament. ETSU opens up with the host Cougars Friday at 4 p.m. from the College of Charleston Softball Stadium at Patriot's Point.
The Lady Bucs, who currently sit at 3-9 after their first 12 games, look to avenge an earlier loss to the Cougars. CofC rallied back from four-run deficit to down ETSU, 5-4, in eight innings at the Cox Communications Classic.
Following their game with the Cougars, the Lady Buccaneers will face Howard at 6 p.m. The Bison were the preseason favorite in the MEAC, but lost a pair to Campbell last weekend in their season debut.
On Saturday, ETSU faces Marist at noon and wrap up the day with an 8 p.m. start versus UNC-Wilmington. The Red Foxes are making their first appearance since posting a 2-3 mark at the Stetson Lead-Off Classic three weeks ago. Marist picked up wins over Detroit but fell to Ohio State twice and Stetson. After being swept by Campbell in the season-opener, UNCW split its four games at last weekend's Seahawk Classic.
The Lady Buccaneers complete the tournament Sunday afternoon with a showdown against Akron at noon. The Zips have lost seven straight and only posted one win in eight games thus far.
Freshman Katie Henderson (Jackson, Tenn.) leads the Lady Buccaneers at the plate with her .429 average (6-14). Henderson has also hit safely in four straight games, while junior Vicki McCoy (Ringgold, Ga.) has recorded at least one hit in eight of the first 12 games. McCoy also leads ETSU with four stolen bases. Sophomore Marissa Hardy (Rocklin, Calif.) and freshman Ashley Boyd (Chattanooga, Tenn.) hope to build off their respectable pitching efforts at last weekend's Chattanooga Challenge. Hardy struck out 27 batters in 19.0 IP, and Boyd posted a 0.68 ERA (1ER/10.1IP) en route to earning her first collegiate win over St. Francis (Pa.).
Fans unable to make the trip to South Carolina can follow all the action live courtesy of College of Charleston athletics. Live stats will be provided for all games, while ETSU's game against the Cougars will also be aired online. Please click the link above to access live stats and audio.
For more information on Lady Buccaneer softball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.
