Tag: NFCA Leadoff Classic

Notre Dame to face Utah in MLB Network’s first live softball game

Some exciting news for the Irish.

Well, it’s February, which means we’re closer to warmer weather, which means we’re closer to softball season. So how about a first involving Notre Dame’s team? One that involves a first for MLB Network?

For the first time in its 15-year history, MLB Network will broadcast a live softball game. That game will involve the Irish and Utah at 1 p.m. EST Feb. 10 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. Last year, MLB Network broadcast a game between UCLA and Oklahoma on tape delay.

This game vs. the Utes will be the third of five games the Irish play during this season-opening event. They also will take part in three other invitationals in the early part of the season. Their first game at Melissa Cook Stadium will be March 19 vs. Michigan State.

The Irish are coming off a season in which they went 30-19-1 and qualified for their 24th straight NCAA Tournament.

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Lady Vols’ offensive leaders following opening weekend

A look at the Lady Vols’ softball offensive leaders following opening weekend.

No. 13 Tennessee (3-0) ended its opening weekend of the 2023 season with a 6-0 victory against No. 8 Northwestern (2-1) Sunday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.

The Lady Vols opened its 2023 season Friday, defeating Howard, 21-1, and Illinois, 9-2.

Tennessee was scheduled to play South Alabama and No. 6 Texas on Saturday. Both contests were canceled due to inclement weather.

The Lady Vols will next play in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Feb. 16-18. Tennessee is slated to play Sacramento State, North Dakota State, Cal State Fullerton and Liberty in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Following the NFCA Leadoff Classic, Vols Wire looks at Tennessee’s offensive statistical leaders. Statistical leaders are listed below.

Ashley Rogers records 13 strikeouts in win versus Northwestern

Lady Vols’ pitcher Ashley Rogers records 13 strikeouts in win versus Northwestern.

No. 13 Tennessee (3-0) ended its opening weekend of the 2023 season with a 6-0 victory against No. 8 Northwestern (2-1) Sunday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.

Kiki Milloy led off the game with a solo home run.

Tennessee extended its advantage to, 2-0, after freshman right fielder Taylor Pannell hit a solo home run in the fourth inning.

The Lady Vols added four runs in the sixth inning after shortstop Mackenzie Donihoo recorded a two-run double, scoring Katie Taylor and Giulia Koutsoyanopulos.

Milloy scored a third run on the play after an error by the Wildcats.

Ashley Rogers pitched a seven-inning complete game for the Lady Vols. She allowed seven hits and one walk, while recording 13 strikeouts.

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Scouting Auburn Softball’s NFCA Leadoff Classic opponents

Auburn will face two NCAA Tournament teams during the season-opening tournament in Clearwater, Fla. beginning Friday afternoon.

The long-awaited debut of Auburn Softball’s 2023 season is set for Friday afternoon, as the Tigers are slated to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.

Auburn will face five opponents during their three-day stay in Clearwater, two of which competed in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Tigers will kick off the weekend on Friday by facing St. John’s at 12:30 p.m. CT. Last season, Auburn defeated St. John’s twice during the Tiger Invitational at Jane B. Moore Field, outscoring the Red Storm, 23-0.

Auburn will close the day by facing Fordham, the defending Atlantic 10 Conference Champions. Then, on Saturday, the Tigers will face Power Five teams in Pittsburgh and Indiana. The Hoosiers ended last season with 27 wins in 2022, but a short stay in the Big Ten tournament erased their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The final game of Auburn’s portion of the NFCA Leadoff Classic will feature Auburn’s toughest test of the weekend, Illinois. The Fighting Illini won 34 games last season, earning wins over teams such as Arkansas and LSU in nonconference play, and made a postseason appearance in the Columbia Regional hosted by Missouri.

To watch Auburn compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic, download the GameChanger app and search “Auburn Tigers NFCA.” Auburn Sports Network will also have coverage of this weekend’s tournament locally on Tiger 95.9 as well as AuburnTigers.com.

Here’s a more in-depth look at Auburn Softball’s weekend schedule, as well as their opponents.

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