Cards Set to Open 2023 Season at NFCA Leadoff Classic
The University of Louisville softball team will open the 2023 season this weekend when the Cardinals travel to Clearwater, Fla., for the 2023 NFCA Leadoff Classic which will take place Feb. 10-12 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex. The Cardinals will begin play on Friday when they take on South Alabama at 11 a.m. followed by a 1:30 p.m. matchup against No. 20/17 Kentucky. Action will continue on Saturday when Louisville takes on Southern University at 4 p.m. and RV/No. 23 Missouri at 6:30 p.m. The Cards will wrap up the weekend on Sunday at 10 a.m. against Howard.
Racers Begin Season At Abilene Christian
The Murray State softball team opens its 2023 season Friday at the 2023 Wildcat Invitational in Abilene, Texas hosted by Abilene Christian. The Racers will play five games over three days while in the Lone Star State against A&M-Corpus Christi, UTEP and the host Wildcats.
Govs open season at Runnin’ Bulldog Classic
Austin Peay State University’s softball team opens its 2023 regular season this weekend, as they travel to Boiling Springs, North Carolina, to play in the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldog Classic. It is the second time in the Governors 38-year history where they will open a season at Gardner-Webb, having also opened their 2016 season in Boiling Springs. Joining the Govs and Bulldogs in the three-day event are Robert Morris, George Mason and Ohio, with the Govs opening play noon, Friday, against Robert Morris, followed by a matchup versus the tournament host Gardner-Webb, at 4 p.m. On Saturday, the Govs begin with a, 10 a.m., morning contest versus Ohio, while finishing Day 2 with a, 6 p.m., evening game versus George Mason. Austin Peay wraps up play in the Runnin’ Bulldog Classic on Sunday, 11 a.m., with a rematch against Ohio. The Govs, who open their first season as members of the ASUN Conference, return 14 players from their 30-23 squad of 2022, including the Ohio Valley Conference’s Player of the Year Lexi Osowski-Anderson (third base) and All-OVC Second-Team selections Jordan Benefiel (pitcher) and Kylie Campbell (designated player). Other starters and pitchers returning are Kendyl Weinzapfel (OF), Mea Clark (C), Morgan Zuege (2B), Emily Harkleroad (1B), Megan Hodum (OF) and pitcher Samantha Miener. This weekend also will see 10 new Governors on the roster, which include four collegiate transfers and six true freshmen.