Northern Kentucky University Athletics

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team opens up the 2011 season this weekend by playing in the Charger Chillout tournament in Decatur, Ala.

The always-tough schedule begins on Friday when the Norse take on West Georgia and the No. 10 ranked host, Alabama-Huntsville. NKU continues play on Saturday by taking on Arkansas Tech and North Alabama, before wrapping up the three-day tournament on Sunday with games against Augusta State and West Alabama.

Game times, live stats and audio broadcast links are available on nkunorse.com.

The Norse return to the field after going 35-20 last season and a return trip to the NCAA Tournament.

TOUGH THAW: The Charger Chillout has proven to be a tough, early-season challenge for the Norse, who have never walked out of Decatur with a winning record. Twice (2009, 2007) in five previous appearances in the tournament NKU has escaped at .500. Last season, NKU went 2-4 at the Charger Chillout, picking up wins over Columbus State and West Georgia.

VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS: In 2010, NKU posted a 4-6 record against nationally ranked opponents.

APRIL REIGNS: The Norse return several key players from last season, including pitcher April Ehlers, who is on the cusp of breaking Krystal Lewallen's career strikeout record. The senior recorded a 15-14 mark last season with a team-best 1.65 earned run average and 275 strikeouts. The strong performance earned Ehlers first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference and second-team All-Midwest Region honors.

SOPHOMORE SENSATION: Pitching sensation Emily Schwaeble will also return for her sophomore season after going 11-2 with a 1.70 ERA, including a dramatic 10-inning victory over Lewis in the NCAA Tournament. Schwaeble also excelled at the plate last season, batting .319 and leading the team with 13 doubles and 42 RBIs.

SAVE FARRIS: Junior shortstop Jessica Farris brings the team's most consistent bat to the lineup for a third-straight year. Farris hit a team-best .366 from the leadoff spot and score 44 runs, also a team high.

GATES GOING LONG: Junior infielder Ashley Gates will look to add to her NKU career home run record in 2011. Gates enters the season with 22 long balls on the season. She also owns the single-season mark after crushing 12 dingers in her freshman season.