Orangeburg, SC – The South Carolina State women's softball team will open its 2014 season this weekend when they participate in the 2014 Hampton Jordan Classic hosted by neighboring Claflin University. The tournament, which is set for Friday-Saturday, Feb. 7-8, will feature a total of 13 teams and will be played at the Hillcrest, Peasley, and Adden Street Fields in Orangeburg, S.C.
 
SC State, who concluded the 2013 season with a 16-27 overall record and 4-10 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), will open up against Alabama A&M on Friday at 9 a.m. at Hillcrest Field #1.  The Lady Bulldogs will then face Georgia Southwestern at 1 p.m. on the same field.   On Saturday, SC State will face Brenau at 9 a.m., Limestone at 1 p.m., and will close the tournament against St. Augustine's at 3 p.m.  All three games on Saturday will be played at the Adden Street Field.
 
"I like our chances this opening weekend as long as we play fundamental softball," said head coach Tonja Braxton who is entering her third season.  "The weather has not been favorably for practice since we returned from the break but that's not something we can control.''  Braxton continued, "One huge advantage for us is that six-of-the 10 players in the starting lineup played significant minutes last season and the others had a chance to develop over the course of the year so we should be in pretty good shape."
 
The returning players will definitely be a huge factor and will play a major role how this season will play out; however, the newcomers will have an equal impact according to Braxton.  "I am excited about the upcoming season we have made some definite upgrades to our team both offensively and defensively.  I feel good about the core of returning players and feel as though we have a talented group of young players who will need step into the role of a starter."
 
SC State will open its home season on Sunday, Feb. 16 when they host Anderson in a 1 p.m. double-header.  The Lady Bulldogs will face Columbia College in Columbia, S.C. on Feb. 20 before returning home for two straight on games beginning Feb. 21 against Humber College.   SC State will then host St. Augustine's on Feb. 24.  All home contests will be played at the Lady Bulldogs Softball Field on the campus of SC State.
 
For a complete 2014 Schedule click here