Softball | 2/15/2013 10:30:00 AM
Tournament Web site
LET'S GET STARTED
The #18 Emporia State Hornets open the 2013 season with six games at the Ark.-Monticello Seven State Classic in Bentonville, Ark. The Hornets went 3-1 on the opening weekend last season on the way to a 42-11 season. Emporia State has opened the season at a road tournament in each of the last nine years and gone 26-15 in those tournaments. The only time the Hornets have gone undefeated on the opening weekend during that time was a 5-0 effort in 2006.
THE?COACH
Julie LeMaire is 42-11 in her second season at Emporia State. She was named MIAA Coach of the Year after going 20-0 in the MIAA last season. She is 134-88 in her fifth season as a head coach. She came to ESU after three years at Ft. Hays State and took the Tigers to the MIAA Tournament Championship game last season.
ABOUT THE HORNETS
Emporia State returns eight of the nine players in their batting order and two pitchers that each won at least ten games. Among the returners are All-American designated player Stephanie Goodwin who will move to the outfield this season and all-region selections Tricia Vogel at first base and pitcher Karley Schmelzer. Catcher Amanda Self, shortstop Taylor Zordel, third baseman Jessica Gragg and outfielder Jessica Brewer also return after earning at least second-team All-MIAA honors last season. The Hornets have won a record eight MIAA Championships and were picked to win the newly expanded MIAA in the preseason coaches poll.
SCOUTING THE FIELD
The Hornets will play six games in Bentonville, Ark. over the weekend. All of the games will be against regional competition.
SOUTHERN NAZARENE
The Crimson Storm is 2-2 entering Friday's game after going 42-10 last season. The Hornets are 3-0 all-time against Southern Nazarene with the last meeting coming in 2002.
HENDERSON STATE
The Reddies are 3-7 entering play on Friday after going 20-30 last year. The Hornets are 4-0 all-time against Henderson State after winning last year's meeting.
OUACHITA BAPTIST
The Tigers are 4-6 entering the Friday's play after an 18-31 campaign a year ago. The Hornets are 2-0 after last year's win against Ouachita Baptist.
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS
The Muleriders are 4-4 on the year entering Friday and were 26-33 last season. The Hornets are 2-1 all-time against Southern Ark. with the last meeting in 2005.
SOUTHWESTERN OKLA. STATE
The Bulldogs are 2-4 entering Friday's play following a 32-20 season last year. The Hornets are 4-3 all-time against SWOSU with the last meeting coming in 2011.
ARK.-MONTICELLO
The host Cotton Blossoms are 8-2 on the season and went 40-14 last season. The Hornets are 2-2 all-time against Ark.-Monticello with the last meeting in 2004.
UP NEXT
The Hornets travel to Edmond, Okla for the UCO Softball Classic next weekend.
