Softball 2/16/2020 11:42:00 AM CU Athletics

Opening Day for Lady Tiger softball sends CU to Brescia University for Monday doubleheader

OWENSBORO, Ky. — Opening Day is right around the corner as Lady Tiger softball travels to Brescia University on Monday afternoon for a doubleheader.

First pitch of the 2020 season is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET and both games can be heard on the CU Sports Network with Zach Clements filling in for Jordan Alves on the call.

The Lady Tigers enter the season ranked No. 13 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll and were picked to finish second in the Mid-South Conference.

Campbellsville has 16 players returning from last year's squad after only graduating two seniors – Kelly Wheeler and Morgan Gailor. In the infield, four of the five positions return an All-Conference performer, and, in the outfield, two of three positions are manned by an All-MSC selection in 2019.

The Lady Tigers are coming off another solid year of finishing in the NAIA Opening Round Championship finals before falling to the University of Mobile, 2-0.

Opening Day Notes:

Head coach Shannon Wathen enters her 17^th season as the head coach and 18^th overall with the softball program.
Coach Wathen is without long-time assistant coach Bryce White for the first time since 2009 after he departed in the summer of 2019 for his first head coaching position at Avila University in Missouri.
The Lady Tigers are still with pitching coach Kim Borders and former Lady Tiger Rebecca Miller – both were elevated to full-time assistant coach status after the departure of Coach White.
Of the last eight opening days, the Lady Tigers boast a 6-2 record.
Last season, Campbellsville lost its opening game of the season, a 8-0 defeat, to Warner University in the Russmat Softball Classic in Auburn Dale, Fla.
After the loss, the Lady Tigers won five straight over three days to finish The Classic 5-1.
Campbellsville returns 16 players from last year's squad and has seven newcomers, including junior college transfer, Sam McKee.
The last time the Lady Tigers have had a junior college transfer was Kendyl Ahrens from Rend Lake CC in 2014.
The Lady Tigers will be without All-Conference performance Ryleigh Oldham for the 2020 season after an ACL injury in the fall.

Full Preview Stories on Position Breakdown

Check out the infielder preview, HERE
Check out the outfielder preview, HERE
Check out the pitching preview, HERE

Series Facts vs. Brescia

Since 2006, the Lady Tigers are 14-1 against the Brescia Bearcats.
In Owensboro, the Lady Tigers 6-1 overall and when the games were played in Campbellsville, CU is 8-0.
Last season, Campbellsville won both matchups in Owensboro, 2-0 and 5-1, and in Campbellsville, 7-0 and 4-0.
The Lady Tigers have outscored Brescia 91-22 in the 15 matchups, including only one run in the previous five games. CU is averaged 6.1 runs/game in the series while Brescia averages 1.4.

Catch the action on the CU Sports Network

Every game for the 2020 season will air live on the Campbellsville University Sports Network as the broadcast team of Jordan Alves, Zach Clements and Tony Fonzo will split duties throughout the season.
Fans can tune in at www.campbellsvilletigers.com/watch for home AND away games.
During home games, the CU Sports Network will feature multi-camera broadcasts at the newly renovated control room at Hord Field and Veterans Memorial Park.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Rebecca Miller: C; 5' 5"; Senior; Louisville, Ky.

#17 Morgan Gailor: RHP; 5' 7"; Senior; Louisville, Ky.

#21 Ryleigh Oldham: RF; 5' 5"; Sophomore; Madisonville, Ky.

#18 Kelly Wheeler: 2B; 5' 0"; Senior; Fisherville, Ky.

#22 Sam McKee: UTL; 5' 5"; Junior; Congerville, Ill.

Players Mentioned

#22 Rebecca Miller
: 5' 5"; Senior; Louisville, Ky.
: C

#17 Morgan Gailor
: 5' 7"; Senior; Louisville, Ky.
: RHP

#21 Ryleigh Oldham
: 5' 5"; Sophomore; Madisonville, Ky.
: RF

#18 Kelly Wheeler
: 5' 0"; Senior; Fisherville, Ky.
: 2B

#22 Sam McKee
: 5' 5"; Junior; Congerville, Ill.
: UTL