HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team opens its first weekend of an eight-day swing through the Sunshine State as the Norse take part in the Under Armor Invitational, hosted by USF. The Norse will play three games over a two-day span on the weekend.
 
Northern Kentucky University Norse (1-9)
IPFW Mastodons (2-11)
March 5 – 10 a.m.
Tampa, Fla.
Series History: NKU leads, 16-5
 
NKU
St. Bonaventure University Bonnies (2-8)
March 5 – 2:45 p.m.
Tampa, Fla.
Series History: First meeting
 
NKU
Villanova University Wildcats (4-6)
March 6 – 9 a.m.
Tampa, Fla.
Series History: First meeting
 
Last Time Out
The Norse failed to pick up a win in five games at the Frost Classic, hosted by Chattanooga. NKU dropped decisions to Eastern Illinois, Lipscomb, Miami (Ohio), Evansville and the host Mocs. Alina Maher and Zharya McFarland each picked up four hits on the weekend and Dani Devlin cranked her first home run of the season to lead the Norse offense.
 
Scouting IPFW
The Mastodons are looking to snap a four-game losing streak after dropping games to Incarnate Word, Nicholls State, Jackson State and Southeastern Louisiana at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic. Amber Davis is hitting .361 on the season with two doubles and five RBIs to lead IPFW, while Kelly Pevely's three home runs and six RBIs provides the pop. Sarah Lazarowich is 1-5 with a 2.33 ERA in the circle.
 
Scouting St. Bonaventure
The Bonnies stand at 2-8 on the year, having picked up a win over Penn on Friday to open their Florida stint. Kelli Rohan is the speedster at the top of the Bonnies' lineup, batting .406 on the year with 10 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. Josie Borysevicz leads the Bonnies' efforts in the circle, posting a 1-4 record witih a 4.98 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 32.1 innings.
 
Scouting Villanova
The Wildcats enter their second week in Florida, having picked up wins over Georgia State and Seton Hall last weekend. Lauren Herschberg stands as Villanova's most potent offensive threat, batting .441 with a pair of home runs, 10 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Kate Poppe boasts Nova's only shutout on the season with a 3-4 record and a 3.35 ERA, having struck out 43 batters and walked just eight in 37.2 innings.
 
Triple Your Pleasure
Zahrya McFarland and Alina Maher found the fast way to third base last weekend, rapping the first two triples of the season for the Norse. The duo each claimed four hits and scored two runs over the weekend at the Frost Classic.