Series notes (PDF)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Spring Break trip continues for the Northern Kentucky University softball team, but it's no leisurely trip to the beach, as the Norse come up against some of their stiffest competition yet, facing USC Upstate to open Atlantic Sun Conference play.
Tuesday's doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. while the final game of the series on Wednesday is set for a 1 p.m. first pitch. All games in this series will be available on video webcast via ASun.TV.
The Norse (6-12) snapped a three-game losing streak on Saturday with a 5-1 win over Drexel and managed a 4-1 victory over Norfolk State, salvaging a 2-2 record from the Camel Stampede Tournament, hosted by Campbell University.
A WORD ABOUT USC UPSTATE: The Spartans are coming into this week's play with a bit of confidence, having won their first conference series last weekend against North Florida and now ranks among others receiving votes in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Division I poll. Upstate pitcher Jamie Ujvari punctuated the Spartans' success by throwing the 18th no-hitter in program history in a five-inning, 13-0 rout on Sunday. On the season, Ujvari leads the Spartans with a 6-0 record and a 0.77 ERA.
Upstate has been dominant in all phases of the game, outscoring opponents by a combined 139-28 this season. They are led by Ericka Harris, who boasts a team-best .491 batting average, and Shellie Robinson, who is slugging .839 on the season with six home runs, 23 runs scored, 25 RBIs and six stolen bases, all team highs.
PAPI PROVIDES THE POP: Junior first baseman
Natalie Papi broke out of a 2-for-16 slump by going .500 at last weekend's Camel Stampede, posting hits in each of the four contests and extending her season-long hitting streak to five games. The Bellbrook, Ohio native also provided some power, slugging solo home runs in games against Campbell and Norfolk State. The streak raised her batting average on the season by 85 points to .267, ranking third among Norse hitters.
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME FOR RED: Junior utility player
Mandi McQueen, reinstalled in the starting lineup last weekend at shortstop after beginning the year in the outfield, came through in clutch situations for the Norse last weekend, clubbing a two-run home run against Campbell and picking up a three-run double in NKU's win over Drexel. All told, McQueen drove in six runs last weekend and now shares the team lead with 10 RBIs on the season.
STRALEY THE STARTER: Sophomore outfielder
KC Straley may have found her niche as the leadoff hitter for the Norse. The Louisville transfer went 5-for-15 last weekend, all in the top spot on the order, posting a .375 on-base percentage, the highest for any Norse leadoff hitter so far this season. All told, Straley was on base six times for the Norse, scoring two runs and driving in another while stealing two bases.
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS: NKU softball was picked to finish tied for eighth in the Atlantic Sun Conference this year, according to the coaches' preseason poll. Florida Gulf Coast, the A-Sun's lone participant in the NCAA Tournament last year, was the unanimous choice to repeat as league champions. Kennesaw State, USC Upstate, Lipscomb and Jacksonville rounded out the top five.
