Pirates Open Up 2020 with Elon Softball Classic

ELON, N.C. – The Seton Hall softball team opens up the 2020 campaign when it heads to North Carolina to take part in the Elon Softball Classic hosted by Elon University. The Hall will play four games in two days at Hunt Softball Park, taking on Longwood University and the host school Elon on Saturday, Feb. 8, followed by a doubleheader with the University of Rhode Island on Sunday, Feb. 9.

The Pirates are coming off a 24-24 record last season with 10 BIG EAST wins. The Hall was recently picked fifth in the conference in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll.

SCOUTING – LONGWOOD (2/8 - 11:45 a.m.)

The Lancers come off their fifth Big South Championship and, in turn, an NCAA Tournament birth from last season.
Longwood is led in the circle by junior Sydney Backstrom. The junior pitched to a 3.20 ERA with 19 wins and 15 complete games last season.
The Hall has one previous meeting with Longwood, an 8-5 loss back in 2012.

SCOUTING – ELON (2/8 - 4:15 p.m.)

The Phoenix are coming off a 33-20-1 campaign in 2019, posting their third 30-win campaign in the last five seasons.
Elon is led offensively by sophomore Megan White. In just her first collegiate season, White hit .320 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs, all team-leading.
The Pirates are 3-2 all-time against the Phoenix. The last matchup between the two went in the favor of the Phoenix, 8-4, in 2011.

SCOUTING – RHODE ISLAND (2/9 - 9:30 a.m. & 2/9 11:45 a.m.)

Last season, Rhode Island finished at 17-29 overall and 6-14 in the A-10 Conference.
The Rams are led by sophomore Ari Castillo. The Fresno, Calif., native hit .392 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in her first season with Rhode Island.
Seton Hall is 1-2 in three matchups with Rhode Island in program history. The most recent coming in 1999, an 8-0 Pirate victory.

WHAT'S AHEAD
The Pirates will travel to Lake Elsinore, Calif., to take part in the Golden State Softball Classic beginning on Feb. 14.