University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Florida Gulf Coast University
Huskies head back to Sunshine State for Strike-Out Cancer Tournament
2/19/2019 10:00:00 AM | Softball
STORRS, Conn—The UConn softball team is on the road again to compete in their third tournament of the 2019 season in Boca Raton, Fla. The Florida Atlantic 'Strike-Out Cancer' Tournament will start on Saturday, Feb. 23rd and conclude on Sunday, Feb. 24th. The Huskies will take on the host Owls and Eagles of Florida Gulf Coast.
First-pitch for UConn will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday against FGCU with the second game of the day to come at 4:30 p.m. versus FAU. Sunday will be an earlier start for the Huskies at 10:30 a.m. in a rematch against FGCU and a 1:00 p.m. slate for the final game of the tournament versus FAU.
Complete weekend schedule is below:
SATURDAY
UConn vs. FGCU, 11:30 a.m. (Live Stats)
UConn vs. FAU, 4:30 p.m. (Live Stats) (Live Stream, $)
SUNDAY
UConn vs. FGCU, 10:30 a.m. (Live Stats)
UConn vs. FAU, 1:00 p.m. (Live Stats) (Live Stream, $)
The Huskies are 3-5 after taking on Boston University and USC Upstate in the Upstate Classic last weekend in Spartanburg, S.C. UConn over the last five games is batting a collective .208 with Kelli Bates leading the way at .400. Catcher Devon Casazza homered over center field in the final game of the Upstate Classic for her and the team's first on the young season.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
FGCU has a very well-balanced roster, where young and experience have a great blend. The Eagles (5-4) are led by Head Coach David Deiros who enters his 17th season at the helm. Riley Randolph and Racquel Fournet where the two student-athletes selected in the ASUN Coaches Preseason Poll to the Preseason All-Conference Team, where the team was selected to finish second behind Liberty. FGCU started the 2019 season with by hosting two tournaments; FGCU Kickoff Classic and the FGCU Invitational.
FAU's roster holds eight freshmen, a pair of sophomores, six juniors, and six seniors. The Owls (3-7, as of Feb. 18th) enter their 25th season under the guidance of the esteemed Joan Joyce who has led them to eight consecutive conference championships, 12 total conference championships, as well as eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances at 11 in all. Joyce was inducted into the Atlantic Sun Hall of Fame back in October of 2018 in Florence, Alabama. FAU has played in two tournaments, one in which they've hosted in the FAU 'First Pitch' Classic and at the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational. The Owls have faced ranked opponents like No.6/7 Georgia, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 11/12 Texas, No. 19/22 Oregon, No. 23/25 James Madison, and No. 1/2 Florida State. FAU was projected to finish second in Conference-USA receiving several first-place votes while pitcher Mia Olson and outfielder Madisyn Palmer were placed on the 2019 Preseason All-Conference Team.
