February 21, 2012
Softball Weekly Preview (2/20-2/26)
After a week and a half off, The Pride softball team will return to the field this weekend at the Methodist Invitational. Greensboro will face Roanoke and Emory & Henry on Friday before concluding the tournament on Saturday against Salisbury and Stevenson on Saturday. The Pride are 1-1 after splitting a season opening doubleheader at Lynchburg last week. Greensboro's home opener against Emory on Sunday was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Upcoming Games
Friday, February 24 vs. Roanoke (11:00 a.m.) - The Maroons of Roanoke are the first opponent of the weekend for Greensboro. The Maroons have not played this season and will open their slate against The Pride. Roanoke posted a 27-11 record in 2011 and returns its top hitter in Leona Rainey. Rainey finished the year with the top batting average at .455. She started 37 games and accumulated 55 runs, 43 hits and 14 RBI. Stephanie Clark is the team's top returning pitcher, having appeared in eight games while compiling a record of 4-2.
Friday, February 24 vs. Emory & Henry (3:00 p.m.) - Emory & Henry is 0-2 on the year after dropping a season opening double header at King on February 17. The Wasps fell in game one, 2-1, before falling in five innings in the second game, 12-0. Emory & Henry will face York in the first game of the day on Friday.
Only two hitters - Sylvia Robbins and Jennifer True - have recorded a hit this season for the Wasps. True and Katie Grimm each suffered a loss in the pitching circle on opening day. True has tossed 8.0 innings, allowing four earned runs, while Grimm gave up eight earned runs in 2.0 innings of work.
Saturday, February 25 vs. Salisbury (10:00 a.m.) - Salisbury is also opening up its season this weekend at the Methodist Invitational. The Sea Gulls will play Piedmont and Roanoke on Friday before facing The Pride on Saturday. Salisbury finished the 2011 campaign at 36-6 overall and advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament. The Sea Gulls welcome back their top five hitters from a year ago, including a pair of .400-plus hitters - Harley Hill and Michelle Gravdahl. Salisbury will also have the services of its top pitcher, Erika Brittingham, who posted a 24-3 record last year with a 0.85 ERA.
Saturday, February 25 vs. Stevenson (2:00 p.m.) - Also kicking off its regular season this weekend are the Mustangs of Stevenson. Stevenson will take on North Carolina Wesleyan and Methodist on Friday, with Emory & Henry on the docket on Saturday before Greensboro. The Mustangs are coming off of a 22-18-1 campaign in 2011.
