THOMASVILLE, GA — The Thomas University softball team is set to compete in the annual National Fastpitch College Association (NFCA) NAIA Leadoff Classic this weekend in Columbus, Georgia.
The NFCA gathers top collegiate and high school teams from around the country for highly competitive softball action at one site. The Division II and III Leadoff Classics alternate every other year at various locations around the country chosen by their respective division's membership, while the NAIA and Junior College Leadoff Classics will be similarly paired and alternate each year at the South Commons Complex in Columbus, Ga.
The Night Hawks (2-5, 0-0 SUN) are one of 21 teams competing in the tournament, with Ave Maria and Coastal Georgia also representing the SUN Conference in the Leadoff Classic. Thomas will play in a total of five games while in Columbus, with RV Taylor University and #16 William Carey University headlining Thomas' tournament run.
The three day tournament begins on Friday, with TU scheduled to play Evangel University and RV Taylor University. First pitch against Evangel is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. while game two's start time is slated for 1 p.m.
Day two will see Thomas play its only three game day of the season, as TU will open up with Bryan College (Tenn.) just before noon at 11 a.m. Later that afternoon, TU will play Kentucky Christian and #16 William Carey at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively.
The NFCA NAIA Classic will be held at the South Commons in Columbus, Georgia on seven different fields. Thomas' two games on day one are set to be played on Field 5. Day two will see TU start on Field 3 at 11 a.m., before games two and three are held on Field 1.
A link to the Tournament Map can be found, HERE (PDF).
All games will be streamed, HERE, with the Live Video instructions included below.
At the top of the screen:
1) Under sport, choose "Softball" (there is a "Fastpitch" option, but you want to choose softball)
2) Under find, choose "Facility"
3) Under facility, choose "South Commons"
4) Under Channel, choose the field you want to view.
Ticket prices for the event are listed below and can be purchased at the gates to enter the premises.
Tickets
Daily (Adult) - $10 | Daily (12 & under) - $7
Weekend Pass (Adult) - $25 | Weekend Pass (12 & under) - $15
Youth or Military Group (10 or more) - $5 per person
Military - $5 per person
Live Stats will be provided for each game and can be accessed below.
TU vs. Evangel: Live Stats (XML)
TU vs. Taylor: Live Stats (XML)
TU vs. Bryan: Live Stats (XML)
TU vs. Kentucky Christian: Live Stats (XML)
TU vs. William Carey: Live Stats (XML)
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.
