ABILENE, Texas – The long wait is nearly over, as McMurry University Softball will have its season and home opener at Edwards Field Friday at 3 p.m. against Southwestern University. Game two will follow approximately 30 minutes following the first game.
Prior to the games, there will be a First Pitch Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. featuring a number of speakers with the Edwards family throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The first 200 guests will receive a commemorative War Hawks hat.
Live stats and video will be available on mcmurrysports.com.
NOTES:
LAST SEASON: McMurry finished its second season 13-25, 8-19 in the American Southwest Conference.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: After playing its first two seasons at Red Bud Park, McMurry will open its brand new on-campus facility, Edwards Field, when it hosts Southwestern Friday.
HEAD COACH DAVID MCNALLY: McM is led by third-year head coach David McNally, who has compiled a 23-55 record in his first two seasons after starting the program from scratch.
PRESEASON POLL: The War Hawks were picked sixth in the ASC West Division in the preseason poll. The ASC is going back to a two division format after having been a single division since 2014.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Three players were named to the Preseason Watch List in senior pitcher Hope Schoeneman, junior third baseman Emily Michki and sophomore pitcher Camille Scott. Schoeneman was an All-ASC selection last season for McM, while Scott was an All-ASC honoree while playing for Hardin-Simmons. Michki transfers in from Coastal Bend College after hitting .405 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs.
NEWCOMERS: McMurry has added a number of transfers and freshmen who are expected to make an impact this season. Some to keep an eye on include freshman pitcher Kinleigh Stotts and junior utility player Savannah Flinn.
SCOUTING SU: The Pirates went 35-6 last season and finished second in the SCAC. It will be the season opener for the Pirates, as well, who are under the direction of a new head coach.
THE SERIES: The War Hawks have faced the Pirates in each of their first two years of existence. The teams split the series in Abilene in 2018 while Southwestern won both games last year in Georgetown for a 3-1 series lead.
