The Alabama State softball team will host its annual Hornet Invitational beginning on Friday, February 15-17 at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex. First pitch for ASU vs. Belmont is slated for 1:30 p.m. Belmont will host the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the first contest on the day, which is slated for 11 a.m.
 
“I'm hoping that we pick up where we started at last weekend, being aggressive and attacking the softball,” Head Coach Telma Hall said. The only thing I would like to see adjusted is that we put it together for seven full innings and complete the game. I'm excited about being at home, playing in front of our own crowd, home opening weekend, and just being able to give our fans something to see at home.”
 
The Lady Hornets (0-5 overall) are coming off a rough weekend in Macon, Ga. at the Mercer Invitational. Alabama State lost three game changing leads over the weekend to only see itself lose 5-3 to IUPUI, 7-14 to Mercer, and 3-2 to Mercer once more.
 
Senior shortstop Brehanna Rodrigues recorded a .500 batting average, going 7-for-14 at the plate, which included a triple and four RBI on the weekend. She also went 3-for-3 in the stolen base department. Junior centerfielder Meagan Dixon led ASU, going 11-for-17 at the plate with two RBI, two doubles, and added a home run.
 
“I think the difference this year for Bre and Meagan, is that they are actually our captain and co-captain,” Hall stated. “They have embraced the training that we've instilled in them and worked on as far as how to be a leader. On the field, our leadership training is really the difference for them, which is probably why you see them come out like they are. They've been able to embrace that leadership role this year, so the efforts that you see is one that's always been there, but the difference with them now is that they have embraced on how to be a leader.”
 
Last season, the Alabama State softball team picked up its first win on the season during its Hornets Invitational over the University of Nebraska (Omaha) 4-0 after opening the gates to its new home a day before.
 
“It'll be great to get that first win here at home again,” said Hall. “I think that'll be a great opportunity to flip things around and get that boost here at home in front of our fans, where we have great support, so that is always something that we're looking for.”
 
 
 
 
 
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