PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – After a 2-3 weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, the Eastern Kentucky University softball team will travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to compete in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Feb. 11-14.
The Colonels will take on three opponents in five games during the round-robin event.
EKU opens tournament play against Southern Illinois on Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. ET.
Southern Illinois is currently 5-0 on the season and is led by catcher Sydney Potter, a transfer from Creighton, who has recorded six runs, 11 RBIs and five home runs in just five games. The Salukis' defense has been strong this season, posting shutouts against Florida Gulf Coast, Ball State, and Long Island.
Later in the day, the Colonels return to action for a matchup against UTSA at 6 p.m.
The Roadrunners opened the season 0-3 after facing three ranked opponents in No. 25 Washington, No. 9 Nebraska, and No. 1 Texas. UTSA found some success against Nebraska, scoring three runs.
The Colonels continue tournament play the following day against Long Beach State at 5 p.m.
Long Beach State enters the matchup at 3-2 on the season, dropping its last two games to Oregon State, 9-8, and Utah, 4-3. They are led by junior Malayna Terrones, who was selected Big West Field Player of the Week after a standout opening weekend. Terrones began the season batting .692, going 9-for-13 with a pair of walks and scoring five runs.
Tournament play continues Friday, Feb. 13, with a 2 p.m. rematch against UTSA before the Colonels close out the tournament Saturday, Feb. 14, against Long Beach State at 11 a.m.
All games will be broadcast on Triple Crown Sports Network, with play-by-play available for every game via StatBroadcast.
EKU enters the tournament riding a two-game winning streak. Freshman pitcher
Bayle Hunnicutt led the Colonels in the circle with two wins and 18 strikeouts while allowing only one run in the last two games.
At the plate,
Kennedy Drafton closed the tournament with three runs, four RBIs, a double, and a home run.
Jada McLeod also finished with key hits for EKU, recording two runs and four RBIs.
The Colonels look to build on their momentum as they travel to Puerto Vallarta.
