CLEMSON, S.C. – Playing in their final tournament of the 2024 campaign this weekend, Fordham University softball heads to Clemson this weekend for five games at the Tiger Invitational.
On the Docket
The Rams will open the weekend with a pair of games Friday against Longwood and Mercer at (9:30 and 12:00 respectively, as both games on Day One have been moved up one hour due to inclement weather expected later in the day.
The Rams will then square off with Minnesota for the third time in the last nine games, the only game currently scheduled for the Rams on Saturday. Closing the weekend with a pair of games Sunday, the Maroon and White will play a pair of games against Longwood and the hosts Clemson, with the latter game available to watch on ESPN+.
Running Through the Order
Eva Koratsis leads the Rams through the first 15 games of the year with a .313 batting average off ten hits, four for extra bases, while driving in seven RBI. Pacing the team with 12 hits apiece Sydney Wells and Bailey Enoch also sit first and second on the team in RBIs driving in 15 and 10 respectively thus far. Kate McGuire has scattered 11 hits, and enters play as one of four Rams to start and play in all 16 games this season.
In the circle, Devon Miller has tallied a 3.18 ERA through 44.0 innings pitched, earning A-10 player of the Week from the conference two weeks ago. Heading into the weekend she has recorded two wins and one save, with Holly Beeman pacing the pitching staff with three wins.
Recent Trends
Closing the weekend stretch on a high-note, Fordham defeated No. 14 Kentucky Sunday 10-8 in thrilling fashion to close the Queen City Classic, before drawing 6-6 in a rain shortened game against Campbell Wednesday in the Rams' home opener.
Scouting the Opponents
Longwood enters play 6-12 looking to snap a three game losing streak, after falling in a pair of games to No. 8/9 Tennessee, followed by a loss to Virginia at home on Tuesday. Sophia Knock is currently hitting .356 on the year and tied for the team lead with 16 hits alongside Lauren Fox.
With an 8-9 record on the year, Mercer looks to stop a four game slide, after opening the Spring in The Springs tournament with a 3-2 win over North Carolina A&T. Alyssa Woods his hitting .361 and leads the team with 22 hits, seven more than second best on the team. Tori Hedgecock has led the team with 22 RBI helped in part by a team high eight home runs.
Minnesota also participated in the Queen City Classic, earning two wins against the Rams, and enters the weekend 10-8 riding a three game win streak. Batting .463 in 41 plate appearances, Jess Oakland was named National Player of the Week after her performance in Charlotte, sitting as one of the top hitters in the nation through the first month of the year.
The second straight week the Rams face a nationally ranked opponent, Clemson enters the weekend ranked No. 10/11 in the nation. With five players hitting +.333, Valerie Cagle is hitting .404 for the year, with 23 hits and 18 RBI, both a team high, while bashing four home runs.
What's On Deck
The Rams will return to the Bronx next week and open a six game homestand beginning with a doubleheader Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from Bahoshy Field against FDU.
