February 22, 2012

Golden Eagles head to Scenic City for Frost Classic

The Tennessee Tech softball team has won four of its last five games and looks to carry that momentum into the annual Frost Classic hosted by UT-Chattanooga. The Golden Eagles will face five different teams over the course of the three-day event.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- After winning four of its last five games, the Tennessee Tech softball team hits the road again to take part in the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn. The annual tournament boasts 12 teams and 30 games over a three-day span.

The Golden Eagles (4-5) will face five teams who have a combined record of 9-18, including three teams who have yet to win this season (Cleveland State, Dayton, Belmont). Tech's stiffest competition is expected to come from Troy University, whose only loss was at home to then-No. 5 Missouri.

The Golden Eagles open the tournament on Friday against Cleveland State (0-4) with the first pitch scheduled at 12:15 CST. While the Vikings are winless, each of their losses have come by three or fewer runs. In its second game on Friday, Tech will face the Flyers of Dayton University (0-4) who have been shutout each of their last three games.

Saturday's pairings see Tech taking on future Ohio Valley Conference member Belmont at 10 a.m., followed by a 2:30 game against Troy. The Bruins (0-7) have been mercy-ruled three straight games, with two of those being shutouts. The Trojans, however, enter the Classic with a 7-1 record, pending the outcome of their game Wednesday at Florida A&M.

On Sunday, the Golden Eagles have just one game, a 12:15 contest against Ball State. The Cardinals (2-2) have earned wins against East Tennessee and Nicholls State, both at the Quality Inn Classic hosted by Troy. Ball State's losses are to Troy and then-No. 5 Missouri by one run.

Tech is coming off of back-to-back wins against Winthrop and Connecticut at the Georgia Softball Classic last weekend.

The Golden Eagles are currently being led by seniors Samantha Everett at the plate and Holly Thomas in the circle.

Everett is batting .375 with a double and three RBIs and has drawn four walks in seven games. Thomas enters the weekend with a record of 3-2 and a 2.45 and three complete games. She has racked up 19 strikeouts and has held opponents to a .189 average.

Tech's first home game is scheduled for March 6th against IPFW at 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the Frost Classic, and to view live stats, click here.