HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team opens its inaugural Horizon League schedule this weekend as the Norse host Oakland for a three-game series. The weekend kicks off on Friday with a single game at 3 p.m. and concludes with a Saturday doubleheader at 1 p.m.
 
Oakland University Golden Grizzlies (4-17, 0-0 Horizon)
Northern Kentucky University Norse (7-18, 0-0 Horizon)
March 25 – 3 p.m.
March 26 – 1 p.m. (DH)
Series History: Oakland leads, 1-0
 
Last Time Out
The Norse come into the weekend series after dropping a 9-0 decision at No. 12 Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon. Jordan Harbacek went the distance in the circle for the Norse, striking out one in the process.
 
Scouting Oakland
The Golden Grizzlies enter the weekend series at 4-17 overall after an 0-5 showing in Macon, Georgia, in games against Mercer and Seton Hall. Brittney Miller stands as a dominant figure for the Oakland offense, batting .480 on the season with two homers and 12 RBIs on the year. Combined with her 14 walks, Miller is sporting a .600 on-base percentage. Sarah Hartley has scored 12 runs and stolen 14 bases on the year as well. In the circle, Hayley Zemmer leads Oakland's efforts, standing 2-7 on the season with a 3.35 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 48 innings.
 
The Series
Oakland claimed victory in the only previous meeting between the teams on Feb. 17, 2013, by a 6-4 score. The Norse got home runs from Dee Dee Davis, Natalie Papi and Emily Schwaeble, but a three-run seventh inning from the Golden Grizzlies proved to be the difference in the game. Sarah Hartley drove in a pair of runs and Erin Kowanacki got the win in relief, surrendering one hit in the final 1.2 innings.