Troy Softball Set for 2018 Debut; Weather Alters Schedule

Friday, February 9

Troy, Ala.

7 PM

Troy University

Alabama State

Troy Softball Set for 2018 Debut; Weather Alters Schedule

2/8/2018 11:18:00 AM | Softball

By: Grace Bolin

TROY, Alabama – The Troy softball team will make its season debut as it hosts the Troy Classic Feb. 9-11^th.Friday will feature two games from the Trojans, rather than one, due to heavy rain in the forecast for Saturday. All games will be played at The Troy Softball Complex.

The Trojans will get the season underway at 4 p.m. against Tennessee State and will cap the opening night with a 7 p.m. meeting against in-state foe Alabama State. The tournament will continue on Saturday as Troy will face Valparaiso and SIUE at 2:30 and 5 p.m., weather permitting. The Trojans will cap the opening weekend on Sunday with 12:30 p.m. rematch against Tennessee State.

Last season, Troy went 20-34 overall and posted an 8-19 record in Sun Belt play, falling just short of the conference tournament. The squad returns 13 veterans, led by seniors Erica Davis, Carli Kayler and Cassidy McDilda, and welcomes eight newcomers, including two transfers and six freshmen.

Stephanie Snyder is the team's returning leading hitter after posting a .277 at the plate last season with 11 doubles, three home runs and 23 RBI. Junior Madeline Porter also returns after starting every game for the Trojans last year and hitting .267 with nine doubles and 20 RBI.

The Trojans add depth at all positions, with notable additions in the circle. Juniors Claire Graves, who led the pitching staff with eight wins last season, and Peyton Glover return, while freshmen Annie Willis and Kynsley Rae Blasingame will make their cardinal and white debut.

Troy looks to stay perfect against Tennessee State and Alabama State, as it currently holds a 19-0 record against the Tigers and a 22-0 record against the Hornets. The Trojans will look for redemption against SIUE as the Cougars defeated the Trojans 5-2 in 2015 at a neutral location. This will be the first meeting between Troy and the Valparaiso Crusaders.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
Troy vs. Tennessee State
            Friday, February 9 – 4:30 p.m.
            Twitter: @TroyTrojansSB
            Live Stats: TroyStats.com
            Live Stream: Facebook.com/TroyAthletics

Troy vs. Alabama State
            Friday, February 9 – 7 p.m.
            Twitter: @TroyTrojansSB
            Live Stats: TroyStats.com
            Live Stream: Facebook.com/TroyAthletics

Troy vs. Valparaiso
            Saturday, February 10 – 2:30 p.m.
            Twitter: @TroyTrojansSBt
            Live Stats: TroyStats.com
            Live Stream: Facebook.com/TroyAthletics

Troy vs. SIUE
            Saturday, February 10 –5 p.m.
            Twitter: @TroyTrojansSB
            Live Stats: TroyStats.com
            Live Stream: Facebook.com/TroyAthletics

Troy vs. Tennessee State
            Sunday, February 11 – 12:30 p.m.
            Twitter: @TroyTrojansSB
            Live Stats: TroyStats.com
            Live Stream: Facebook.com/TroyAthletics

For the compete tournament schedule and game coverage links, please visit the Troy Classic tournament central page.

NOTEWORTHY:

For the first time in Troy softball history, eight games will be broadcasted on ESPN3 (Auburn, Georgia Southern series, Louisiana series and Mississippi State).
Home games not airing on ESPN3, will be streamed through the Troy Athletics Facebook page.
The Trojans finished second in the league with 68 doubles last season. Defensively, they also finished second, turning 22 double plays.
Beth Mulins begins her fourth season with the Trojans, alongside assistant coach Taylor Smartt and first-year pitching coach Jaycee Affeldt.
Senior Carli Kayler remains an NCAA record holder for home runs in a game that she set in 2016 against Appalachian State. The outfielder hammered four long-balls and recorded nine RBI in Troy's record-setting win.

For more on Troy softball, visit TroyTrojans.com and follow @TroyTrojansSB on Twitter.