University of Southern Indiana Softball returns to the field Friday at 9:15 a.m. (CST) when it takes on Fairmont State University in its first game at The Spring Games in Winter Haven, Florida. The No. 24 Screaming Eagles are scheduled to play eight games throughout five days, including a Midwest Region bout with Cedarville University Friday at 11:30 a.m.
USI’s trip will be highlighted with a Top 25 bout with No. 12 Saint Anselm College Saturday at 8:15 a.m. The Eagles swept the Hawks in the NCAA II Softball Championship Series to win the 2018 national championship, while Saint Anselm defeated USI at The Spring Games last year.
In addition to Cedarville, the Eagles will face Midwest Region foes Northwood University and Hillsdale College as well as a Winona State University that is receiving votes outside the Top 25.
The Eagles’ game against Northwood, which is Sunday at 9:15 a.m. (CDT), is a rematch of USI’s 2-0 win over the Timberwolves at the Midwest Region Crossover two weeks ago. Hillsdale, who the Eagles play Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., has won two straight Great Midwest Athletic Conference titles.
USI also takes on Le Moyne College Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Indiana University of Pennsylvania Sunday at 11:30 a.m. First-pitch for the USI-Winona State game is Tuesday at 2:45 p.m.
The Eagles’ games on Friday and Tuesday will be played at the Diamond Plex Softball Complex in Winter Haven, Florida, while their games on Saturday and Sunday will be played at the Auburndale Softball Complex in Jan Phyl Village, Florida.
Live statistical updates will be available at GoUSIEagles.com, while live video via FloSoftball can be accessed at GoUSIEagles.com.
USI Softball Notes
• Eagles heading to Florida for Spring Games. USI Softball heads to Florida to take part in The Spring Games March 6-10. The Eagles will play two games in Winter Haven, Florida, Friday before playing four games in Jan Phyl Village, Florida, Saturday and Sunday. They close out the trip with two games in Winter Haven March 10.
• USI goes 5-1 at Crossover. The Eagles went 5-1 at the Midwest Region Crossover in Westfield, Indiana, two weeks ago. Senior pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt paced the Eagles at the plate and in the circle. Leonhardt hit .429 with a triple and five RBI, while going 3-0 with a save in the circle.
• Leonhardt named GLVC Pitcher of the Week. Leonhardt garnered her eighth career GLVC Pitcher of the Week honor for her effort at the Midwest Region Crossover. In addition to her 3-0 record and her save, Leonhardt posted a 1.29 ERA, 26 strikeouts and a .149 opponent batting average in 21 2/3 innings of work. She also picked up her school-record 35th complete-game shutout of the year in USI’s 2-0 win over Northwood.
• Brown earns win. Sophomore pitcher Elissa Brown earned her first win of the year in USI’s 10-8 win over Ohio Dominican. She allowed just two runs, one earned, in 4 2/3 innings of work.
• Goodin continues strong offensive start. Freshman pitcher/infielder Allie Goodin continued her strong play at the plate at the Midwest Region Crossover. Goodin hit .421 with three doubles and six RBI. On the year, Goodin leads the Eagles with a .452 batting average to go along with four doubles and seven RBI.
• Martinez finding nitch as No. 2 hole hitter. Freshman second baseman Rachel Martinez found her comfort zone as the Eagles’ No. 2 hole hitter at the Midwest Region Crossover. The first-year star hit .381 with two doubles, two triples, six RBI and seven runs scored.
• Ricketts erupts for seven RBI. Senior shortstop Taylor Ricketts had a monster weekend at the Midwest Region Crossover. She hit .375 with a double, triple and team-high seven RBI during the six-game stretch.
• Extra innings. The Eagles played four extra-inning games during their five-game weekend at The Cottrell Foundation Loyal Blue Classic. That total was one more extra inning game than the combined total of extra-inning games the Eagles competed in throughout the last two years.
