KENNESAW, GA—The South Carolina State softball team will open the 2017 season Friday (Feb. 10) on the road in the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament at Bailey Park,
 
Five teams will be competing in the three-day tournament over the weekend that runs through Sunday (Feb.12), including SC State, Austin Peay, Morehead State, Saint Louis, and host Kennesaw State.
 
The Lady Bulldogs get underway in its first game versus Morehead State in a 12:30 p.m. start, followed by matchup against host Kennesaw State at 5:30 p.m. to close out the day. On Saturday (Feb.11) SC State returns to action in the first two games beginning with Austin Peay (10 a,m,), followed by Morehead State at 12 :30 p.m.
 
South Carolina State: The Lady Bulldogs are coming a 5-26 season a year ago, Junior utility player Jada Richardson returns in 2017 after leading the team with a .307 average last season. Head coach Cheretta Stevenson enters at second season at the helm. The Lady Bulldogs welcome 10 newcomers to this year's roster and  will have to rely on the leadership of its two seniors in third base/pitcher Unique Whitehurst and utility player Tamaya McQueary.
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuatheltics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.

PHYLLIS RAFTER TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, February 10
10 a.m.	Morehead State vs. Saint Louis
12:30 p.m.	Morehead State vs. South Carolina State
3 p.m.	Saint Louis vs. Kennesaw State
5:30 p.m.	South Carolina State vs. Kennesaw State
Saturday, February 11
10 a.m.	Austin Peay vs. South Carolina State
12:30 p.m.	Morehead State vs. South Carolina State
3 p.m.	Austin Peay vs. Kennesaw State
5:30 p.m.	Morehead State vs. Kennesaw State
Sunday, February 12
10 a.m.	Saint Louis vs. Austin Peay
12:30 p.m.	Austin Peay vs. Saint Louis
3 p.m.	Morehead State vs. Kennesaw State

* Home team listed second