March 30, 2012

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Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham softball team returns to Atlantic 10 conference games on Friday as they welcome the Charlotte 49ers into Bahoshy Field for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 PM. Please note, there is no game on Saturday, as the game was moved to Friday due to the possibility of inclement weather on Saturday. The Rams are currently 4-0 in A-10 play and will look to improve to 6-0 with the sweep.

The Rams enter the series off a doubleheader sweep by Lehigh University on Wednesday, March 28. The losses ended a nine-game winning streak for the team. Freshman Paige Ortiz was named A-10 Rookie of the Week on March 26 for her performance that included a home run in five straight games while Jen Mineau was named A-10 Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season for a strong stretch in the circle that was highlighted by her eighth career no-hitter against St. John's on March 20.

Offensively, the Rams are led by a senior and a couple of freshman. Lindsey Kay Bright enters the day leading the team in hitting (.377), on base percentage (.419) and stolen bases (four). She was named A-10 Player of the Week on March 12 for a stretch that included a perfect 9-for-9 stint from the plate. Newcomers Ortiz and Michele Daubman are also having a positive effect in the Fordham lineup. Ortiz leads the team in home runs, RBI, total bases and slugging while Daubman is hitting .270 and has contributed with a homer and ten runs scored.

In the circle, the Rams return All-American Jen Mineau for her senior season. She is currently 13-8 on the year and was named Pitcher of the Week for the second time. Last week, in addition to her no-hitter, she posted a 20:1 strikeout to walk ratio and struck out four batters in an inning. Taylor Pirone and Daubman have also seen time on the rubber this year.

Charlotte enters the doubleheader with a 14-16 mark, and they are still looking for their first victory in conference play. The 49ers enter the series with Brianna Gwaltney leading the team in nearly every major offensive category. The junior is hitting .348 and paces the team in runs (25), hits (31), triples (one), home runs (nine), RBI (29) and slugging percentage (.719). Alex Rogers and Jackie Kleinsmith are the only other 49ers' players hitting above the .300 mark.

In the circle, Lexi Betancourt has handled the bulk of the work. She has an ERA of 3.41 and leads the team with nine wins, 11 complete games, one save and 111 innings pitched. Chelsea Lisikatos and Katie Watkins have each seen significant time on the rubber as well.

Following these games, the Rams welcome the Binghamton Bearcats in for a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 3, before returning to A-10 play with games against Saint Joseph's and Temple in Philadelphia.