The University of South Carolina Beaufort softball team will look to continue its undefeated start to the 2013 season when it hosts Southern Wesleyan for a non-conference doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. Saturday at Richard Gray Sports Complex. The Sand Sharks will observe Military Appreciation Day with special guests on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and USCB will collect donations that will be used to send care packages to soldiers overseas through
Operation Gratitude. All active duty military and veterans will be admitted free of charge and recognized before the first game.
LEADING OFF
Date: Saturday, Feb. 9
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Richard Gray Sports Complex, Hardeeville
Series: First meeting
ABOUT SOUTHERN WESLEYAN
An NAIA program from Central, S.C., the Warriors return their top three pitchers — seniors Stephanie Bourlet, Candace Graves and Casey Johnson — from last year's squad that went 11-36 overall and 5-21 in the Southern States Athletic Conference. Graves also is one of the team's top returning offensive players after hitting .276. Freshmen Allison Barbee and Jennifer Jacoby also played key roles in the team's season-opening doubleheader split with Anderson University on Wednesday.
LIVE COVERAGE
TV: Game 1 — The County Channel (Hargray 9/113, Comcast 2, Time Warner 63)
Streaming video: Game 1 — The County Channel; Game 2 — Stretch Internet
Live stats: Stretch Internet
NOTES
• The Sand Sharks are 28-2 all-time at Richard Gray Sports Complex after a season-opening doubleheader sweep of St. Andrews last Saturday.
• As of Feb. 7, the Sand Sharks led the NAIA in doubles per game (3), home runs per game (1.5), runs scored per game (8.5), RBIs per game (8), slugging percentage (.654).
• As of Feb. 7, several Sand Sharks led the NAIA in individual categories. Junior OF Melanie Goolsby led or tied for the national lead in doubles (2), doubles per game (1), hits per game (2.5) and batting average (.833); junior SS C.J. Browder led or tied for the national lead in doubles (2), doubles per game (1), home runs (2), home runs per game (1), RBIs per game (2.5), total bases per game (6) and slugging percentage (1.500); and sophomore OF Shelby Zipperer led the nation in runs scored per game (2).
• The Sand Sharks' pitching staff ranks fourth in the NAIA in ERA (1.08) and eighth in opponents' batting average (.244). Sophomore P Kristy Cook ranks fifth in hits allowed per nine innings (3.6), strikeouts per nine innings (10.8) and opponents' batting average (.133).
• Junior OF Melanie Goolsby became USCB's all-time stolen base leader with two steals against St. Andrews. Goolsby had 19 stolen bases last season, one behind Barbara Phillips for the team lead. Phillips did not return to the softball team for her sophomore season.
RELATED LINKS
USCB Softball Media Guide
USCB Sand Sharks on Facebook
USCB Athletics on Twitter
