FGCU Softball: FGCU Invitational Preview

The FGCU softball team will welcome four programs to the Nest this weekend hosting the FGCU Invitational, starting with a single game first versus Furman Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Last Time Out:
FGCU opened the 2020 season this past weekend going 4-1 in three days. During that stretch, freshman Johneisha Rowe batted .545, scored four runs while stealing three bases. In the circle, Marissa Mesiemore and Sarah Lawton each collected two wins. Lawton is 2-0 and holds a 0.70 ERA. Meanwhile, Hope Hernandez produced a team best four RBI over the weekend.

Scouting Furman:
The Paladins are 1-2 at the moment as they opened their season in Atlanta in the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech. Natalie Morgan hit .500 (4-for-8) with four RBI. In the circle, Morgan Smith has the lone victory, making three appearances in two starts.

This will be the first meeting between both programs.

Scouting #24 Arkansas:
The Razorbacks produced a 4-1 record this past weekend in New Mexico at the Troy Cox Classic. Sydney Parr led the offensive attack hitting .556 with 10 hits and four RBI. Arkansas has three players with at least six RBI. In the circle, four Razorbacks have seen action as Autumn Storms is 3-0 and has yet to concede a run. The squad is coming off a 38-win season in 2019 where it made the NCAA Tournament for a third-straight year.

FGCU and Arkansas have met one time prior to this weekend (2012, Arkansas defeated FGCU, 14-7). 

Scouting Memphis:
The Tigers enter the Nest with a 3-2 record as they competed in the Hawaii Classic last weekend. In five starts, Sara Ann Davidson recorded a .455 average at the dish, driving in four runners. Memphis used five pitchers over the three-day stretch, led by Chyanne Ellett who went 2-1 in 11.2 innings of work.

FGCU trails the all-time series, 1-2. Last season, FGCU came out on top, 5-0.

Scouting UIC:
Illinois-Chicago will be opening its 2020 season in Southwest Florida this weekend. Last year, the Flames turned in a 32-23 overall record, going 20-4 in the Horzion League. Kayla Wedl returns for her senior year as she batted .453, leading the team in RBI (61), triples (four) and home runs (15). In the circle, Allie Trudeau collected a team-best 12 wins, making 23 starts in 33 appearances.

This will be the second meeting between FGCU and UIC – the Eagles claimed a 4-3 victory back in 2016 at home.