MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University's softball team hosts Savannah State in its season opener Thursday at 1 p.m. at Fain Park.

This season's schedule features a full slate of non-conference tournaments before conference play begins in March.

The Lady Hornets look to bounce back following a disappointing 14-25 (8-10 SWAC) finish last season. ASU returns 11 players including nine that saw time as starters last year.

The Lady Hornets list of returners consists of two seniors, three juniors and five sophomores. Senior Destinee Sanchez, a 5-6 pitcher from Colton, Calif., and junior Quaniesha Limbrick, a 5-10 outfielder from Houston, look to be the leaders for the ASU squad this season.  Both players were selected to the 2010 preseason All-SWAC squad.

In addition to its group of returnees, Bama State welcomes six newcomers to the 2010 roster.

Following Thursday's home opener, the Lady Hornets host the Hornet Invitational this weekend.  Participating teams in the event include both Eastern Illinois and Tennessee-Martin from the Ohio Valley Conference and Akron of the Mid American Conference.

The first pitch is set for 12 noon Saturday with the Lady Hornets facing EIU at Fain Park.