[BJWilliams]

Well the other stick and ball team on campus finally gets to take the field starting this weekend as they head to JK37's neck of the woods for a tournament at the Cougar Classic hosted by the College of Charleston. LU comes off a banner year where they finished with a record of 39-18 and went undefeated at home. Tiffani Smith and Kat Johnson are back in the circle and will be splitting the starts and Ashley Bensinger will finish the Flames battery along with Keely McMillon. After the baseball team got their chance a few years ago, the softball team will get a chance to compete against Notre Dame down in Charleston as they two face off to close Liberty's stay in Charleston on Feb 27. Kelly Strickland will look to build on her team high 15 home runs and 56 RBIs as well.

[BJWilliams]

Liberty loses a tough 3-0 decision to Iowa State. Katie Zavodny goes 2-4 in the leadoff spot while Preseason Big South Pitcher of the Year Tiffani Smith goes the distance in a losing cause, walking 6 and striking out 1 while allowing all three runs (two earned) on 6 hits. Due to rain down in the area the second game was cancelled because of changes to the schedule. Next up is a game with the Drexel Dragons tomorrow morning at 10 AM followed by a date with the Marist Red Foxes at noon.

[BJWilliams]

Liberty finishes the Cougar Classic 2-2 following a 6-4 loss to Notre Dame (2010 WCWS Regional participant). Kat Johnson takes the loss going the full 6 innings allowing 6 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits while striking out a pair. Johnson did pick up her first win of the year yesterday, only allowing two hits and striking out a pair in a 9-2 win over Drexel. 2010 Big South Pitcher of the Year Tiffani Smith threw a gem in the nightcap as Liberty picked up its first shutout of the year 4-0 over the Marist Red Foxes. Smith went the distance striking out nine to pick up her first win of the season. No rest for the weary as the Lady flames head up to Baltimore for the UMBC Retriever Classic starting Friday. First game will be at 9:30 AM against the Siena Saints out of the MAAC on Friday morning