Bluffton, SC – The University of South Carolina Beaufort, along with Coach Laura Heberling, have announced the 2018 softball schedule. With seven teams who finished in the NAIA top 25 last season, including three in the top 10, the Sand Sharks are set to test themselves against the best in the nation.

The 2018 campaign opens February 3^rd and 4^th, when Columbia College (SC) and Montreat College (NC) visit the Richard Gray Sports Complex in Hardeeville, SC, for double-headers. Throughout February the team will host seven teams including St. Andrews (NC), Brewton-Parker (GA), Piedmont International, No. 17 Rio Grande (OH), and the University of Pikeville (Kent).

The Sand Sharks will face their first road test in early March when they head to Clermont, Florida for a set of matchups with Trinity International (Ill), Cleary University (Mich.), Hannibal-Lagrange (MO), and No. 23 Bellevue (Neb.).

The Sand Sharks will then hit the road again, going to Columbus, Georgia, for the NFCA NAIA Leadoff Classic, where they will be tested in matches with Talladega (Ala.), Ottawa (Kan.), Georgetown (Kent.), No. 7 William Carey (Miss.) and then close out the Classic with No. 2 Brenau (GA).

Throughout the rest of March the Sand Sharks will begin The Sun Conference play with Coastal Georgia, Webber International (Fla.) St. Thomas (Fla.) and Ave Maria (Fla.) before playing host to No. 5 Georgia Gwinnett. Sun Conference play will pick up after that with a return trip to Coastal Georgia, and a home stand against Thomas (GA) before heading on the road to take on No. 22 Southeastern in Lakeland, Florida. After a return double-header to Brewton-Parker, the team will welcome to town No. 19 Warner University (Fla.) before finishing out the season with Columbia College (SC), Thomas (GA), Southeastern (Fla.), St. Thomas (Fla.) and Keiser University (Fla.).

Regarding the 2018 schedule, Heberling said, "We have a hardworking team who is eager to take the field on February 3^rd. We have a strong schedule, including two tournaments that will prepare us for conference play. Our conference is strong from top to bottom and every series is very important. We need to focus one game at a time to reach our goals."

Special dates in 2018 include:

• February 24 - Youth Day
• March 22 - Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day
• March 24 - Family Day / Alumnae Day
• March 25 - Strike Out Cancer Day (wear your purple)
• April 14 - Protect & Serve Day
• April 21 - Senior Day

For the full 2018 schedule click here.