THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Thomas University Softball team is scheduled to start its 2022 season this weekend with a trip to compete in the annual Grizzly Open.
The weekend schedule will provide tough competition, as TU plays one of the most challenging schedules in the country with its first five games being against teams either nationally ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA preseason poll. The University of the Cumberlands, Georgia Gwinnett, and Reinhardt University are all opponents in the Grizzly Open that are receiving preseason recognition.
Recently, the SUN Conference released preseason polls that showed the Night Hawks projected 7th in the leagues overall standings. Also, the conference chose Senior Corryne Diaz to be TU's player to watch. After a successful 2021 season, Diaz, the left-handed batter, finished as the Night Hawks leader in slug percentage, doubles, and hits, while also tying the team's leader in hrs. The Senior infielder will resume third baseman duty, as the Gardnerville, Nevada native provided defensive excellence with a .944 fielding percentage, leading the team.
TU at GGC 2/11 10 a.m.
Starting off the Open, TU will play #11 Georgia Gwinnett Friday morning with first pitch scheduled for 10 a.m. The morning contest against the much-respected Grizzlies will be a tough one, as GGC holds the historical advantage 7-5 and are currently on a six game hot streak over the Night Hawks. Additionally, the Grizzlies will return seven starters from last season's lineup, including every 2021 starter from inside the pitching circle.
Links for the the contests against Georgia Gwinnett will be provided, and can be found below.
Watch Live
Live Stats (XML)
TU vs Reinhardt 2/11 12:30 p.m.
Shortly after noon, the Night Hawks will take on RV Reinhardt to welcome the Eagles to the Grizzly Open. Coming into the weekend, the Eagles are 1-1 on the year after splitting a pair of contests in Cochran, Ga against Middle Georgia State. In the short season thus far, RU is led by two underclassmen, as Alexis Teems and Alexis Griffith have registered nine hits in 15 at bats. Not to be outdone, Sophomore Emily Loveless has found success in the three-hole with two home runs in her six at bats against Middle Georgia.
Live Video will not be provided for this contest, but fans can follow along with the live stats by accessing the link below.
Live Stats
TU at GGC 2/12 10:00 a.m.
Fans can keep up with round two against the Grizzlies with the links below.
Watch Live
Live Stats (XML)
TU vs Cumberlands 2/12 12:00 p.m.
The Night Hawks will have another tough opponent directly after the match against the Grizzlies, as TU once more gets to welcome a new opponent to the Grizzly Open. Saturday's noontime first pitch will welcome #23 University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) to the tournament, and officially kickoff the Patriots redemption run that saw UC make it all the way to Mid-South Conference Tournament.
Again, no live video is provided for this contest but fans can keep up by following the live stats, HERE.
TU vs Reinhardt 2/13 10:00 a.m.
On the final day of the tournament, the Night Hawks will have a a single game against the Eagles to wrap up Thomas' participation in the tournament.
Live Stats
For up-to-date information on Thomas University Softball and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU Softball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksSoftb.
