TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University softball team enters the 2020 season with 18 returners, including six seniors ready to continue building from last season.

The Tigers finished at .500 last season going 27-27 overall and 10-11 in league play.

"It's been a fun preseason and fall ball," said head coach Lisa Costello. "We are building on last season. We've made some huge strides already on both sides of the ball. Last year was a learning year for us and a teaching year for the staff."

Towson opens the season in three neutral locations with three different tournaments all bringing a variety of excitement to the table.

"It's what most teams do during preseason. We try and play the best teams that we can" said Costello. "We are playing some solid teams."

Just like last year, the Tigers will face USC-Upstate as they host the USC-Upstate tournament opening weekend. Then participate in the Winthrop Invitation, Feb. 14-16 and the Private Invitational, Feb. 21-23.

The overall excitement for the season is expressed by saying, "we are ready to go!"

"It's been a really good preseason, we have been outside quite a bit this year which has helped us prepare," said Costello.

Towson adds six freshman to the team that fit in very well and they fill some holes from those we lost to graduation.

The Tigers begin league play in late March on the road against College of Charleston Saturday the 21st.

All of the conference game are key games for Towson.

"All the conference games are three game series that are all must win and they all feel like playoff games," said Costello.

The six seniors will be honored on senior day when they host UNCW Saturday, May 2. Each senior brings their own unique style and leadership qualities to the team.

Julia Smith-Harrington, "is the jack of all trades, does everything at a very high level, great on the field and in classroom," said Costello.

"Jaclyn Mounie, is the vocal leader and had a good fall and preseason. Madison Wilson is the hitter, solid at first base, always has a good plan and she's steady.

Ashley Cruise is a competitor and is getting stronger every day and Lindsey Toneygay works hard and has that personality that is easy to follow and is a great mentor to our young athletes. Jessica Swistock is a versatile outfielder and continues to get stronger and doing well both defensively and at the plate for us."

The 2020 CAA Softball Championship will be hosted by James Madison University and will take place at the Duke's Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Action is set to begin Wednesday, May 6 with the championship game scheduled for Friday, May 8.