TOWSON, Md. – Towson University softball opens the 2022 season by heading south to Spartanburg, S.C. for a four-game series at the University of South Carolina – Upstate for the Spartan Classic.
 
The two-day tournament opens on Friday, February 12 at 11 a.m. as the Tigers are set to face North Carolina Central (NCCU) before their second match-up of the day against USC – Upstate at 1 p.m. A Saturday doubleheader follows an earlier schedule as Towson sees the University of Massachusetts at 10 a.m. and USC – Upstate for a 12 p.m. start time.
 
Sunday's game against USC – Upstate will be broadcasted on ESPN+, available via a subscription.
 
Towson is undefeated against the NCCU Eagles, last winning in an 18-6 five-inning upset during the Spartan Classic in 2014. This is the third time the Tigers have played against USC – Upstate at Cyrill Stadium, last taking on the Spartans on February 9, 2019. The Tigers will clash against the UMass Minutewomen for the first time in history.
 
This is the sixth time the Tigers have been to the Spartan Classic.
 
Towson's first 14 games will be on the road in the Carolinas, featuring the Spartan Classic, the Winthrop Tournament, and the UNCG Invitational.
 
NEWCOMERS
 
Towson adds nine new members to the roster including seven true freshmen as well as two transfers from the University of Hartford. These nine join 18 returners, including All-CAA Rookie, Mackenzie Lake, and All-CAA selection, Chloe Poulich.
 
REPPING THE HOME STATE
 
Five members of the Black and Gold hail from the Old-Line State of Maryland. These players come from the Baltimore-Metro Area, the Washington D.C. Metro Area, and the Eastern Shore.
 
TOWSON TOURNAMENTS
 
Towson will hold two tournaments at the Tiger Softball Stadium this season. The TU Demarini Invite, which will take place March 4-March 6, and the TU Tiger Clash will take place March 11-March 13.
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
 
North Carolina Central returns eight players from last season, including sophomores Hailey Batista and Imara Harrell who were key contributors to the Eagles offense. Batista saw Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) All-Tournament Team honors and earned NCCU Softball Team MVP after finishing her freshman slate with nine doubles, three triples, three home runs, and 23 RBI's. During her rookie season, Harrell earned the NCCU Newcomer of the Year Award and MEAC All-Tournament Team honors.
 
Last season, the Eagles made their first MEAC Championship appearance after going 9-7 in conference play. 
 
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
 
USC – Upstate was selected second in the annual Big South preseason poll after a 28-17 campaign last season. The Spartans saw appearances in the Big South Conference Tournament and the championship game. After being elected the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament, the Spartans finished 13-5 in the Big South in 2021.
 
The Spartans return eight key starters, including Tiffany Domingue and Peyton Darnell who helped lead the offense to a number 13 ranking in the NCAA in scoring. USC – Upstate slated 10^th in the country in fielding percentage, posting a 97.8% efficiency.
 
SCOUTING THE MINUTEWOMEN
 
The Minutewomen return 13 players, including Jules Shields, who earned the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie last season after batting .377 in league play with a .594 slugging percentage. Shields had nine doubles and three triples.
 
UMass closed out the 2021 season with a 16-17 campaign and a 12-12 A-10 finish.