Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

SOFTBALL | Hoyas Travel to Citrus Classic

This weekend, the Georgetown softball team (7-5) kicks off spring break with a trip south to Kissimmee, Fla., to participate in the Citrus Classic tournament. The Hoyas, who are off to a good start this season, face five opponents in the three-day tournament.

After 12 games, the Hoyas find themselves with a winning record heading into a tournament that will certainly test whether or not the team has potential to go far in the Big East. The level of competition at the Citrus Classic should be more challenging than anything the Blue and Gray have faced thus far.

Coming off its performance at the N.C. State Wolfpack Challenge tournament, in which the team won two and lost three, Georgetown is searching for consistency in the tournament ahead.

In some games, the Hoyas’ offense has overwhelmed opponents, but in others, the team has struggled to even get on base. The Hoyas currently have two players hitting over .400, including junior catcher Shikara Lowe, who was recently named to the Big East honor roll. Lowe was instrumental in the team’s two wins last weekend and will need to come out with the same verve this weekend.

“Everyone in the lineup is swinging the bat well,” Head Coach Pat Conlan said. “We need to continue to choose good pitches, be aggressive and have quality at bats.”

The Hoyas’ pitching rotation is also shaping up after last weekend’s tournament. Much of the team’s pitching success can be attributed to freshmen Megan Hyson and Lauren O’Leary, who have both given strong performances on the mound in their first few games as Hoyas. Senior Mackensey Carter has also done good work for Georgetown in the circle, with a record of 2-1.

“Progress is being made every time they step on the mound,” Conlan said. “We need to continue to improve on spinning the ball and locating pitches.”

Georgetown’s opponents this weekend come from all over the map. The Hoyas will first take on Ohio State (9-5), which has won seven of its last eight games. The Hoyas will need to come out strong in the opening game of the tournament to take down the momentum that the Buckeyes have going into this game.

The Hoyas will then play Temple (2-3), whose inexperience this season may leave them vulnerable to the more battle-tested Georgetown. If the Hoyas’ offensive can perform like it has at times in the past, they should have no problem taking down the Owls.

Next up for the Hoyas is Longwood (11-3), who has the best record of any Georgetown opponent so far this season. The Lancers will be the toughest opponent for the Hoyas this tournament, as they boast five players hitting over .350 and two strong pitchers in junior Brooke Short and freshman Libby Morris, whose records stand at 5-1 and 6-2, respectively.

The Red Birds (7-8) of Illinois State follow. The Red Birds, who started off the season strong by winning six of their first seven, have since lost five straight. Georgetown will have to hang tough against a team that will be striving for a win.

The Hoyas’ final opponent is South Alabama (6-5), which has had a mediocre season thus far. Like the Hoyas, the inconsistent Jaguars are capable of both winning by a large margin and failing to have anyone cross the plate. Georgetown will have to watch out for the long ball against South Alabama, as the team’s total of 11 home runs dwarfs the Hoyas’ six.

“This tournament will be very competitive. Every team competing is strong,” Conlan said. “These teams all bring power, speed and good pitching to the table.”

The Hoyas kick off the Citrus Classic today at 12:15 p.m. against Ohio State in Kissimmee, Fla.

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