The softball team will head to Jacksonville, Florida, this weekend to compete in the Dolphin Invitational.
The invitational, which will span a period of three days, will play host to ACU, Campbell University, Cleveland State and Savannah State. The Wildcats go into the tournament at 3-8 after facing some of the nation’s best at the Baylor Invitational.
Emily Seidel, senior pitcher from Burbank, California, has started the season strong despite being 2-5 so far. Julia Montoya, junior transfer from Manchaca, though 1-3 on the season, is also making solid adjustments on the mound in her first season that carried her through a strong game against Tulsa last Saturday.
ACU will take on Campbell University Friday at 12:30 p.m. to begin the tournament followed by a game against the 7-9 Jacksonville Dolphins at 3 p.m.
The Dolphins defeated Sam Houston State at the USA Invitational last week. Starting pitcher Victoria Brown allowed no runs on five hits with two strikeouts. The ‘Cats will look to ignite their bats and gain early momentum to stay in the game.
Their next opponent, the 2-4 Savannah State Tigers, is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday. The Tigers are coming off four straight losses in the Panther Invitational last week.
Those four losses resulted in a double-digit score for Tigers opponents, which means the ACU’s offense should have no problem getting runs across the plate. But the ‘Cats will need to limit Savannah State’s strongest hitters, including Destiny Webster who is hitting .833 on the season.
The ‘Cats then play Cleveland State at 11:30 a.m. Saturday to complete their second double-header of the tournament. Their last game will be a rematch against Campbell at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Peyton Hedrick, freshman infielder from Forney, is leading the Wildcats’ offense after earning all-tournament honors at Baylor. Hedrick continued her hot start to the season in ACU’s game against Baylor driving an RBI double that allowed teammate Taylor Brown, freshman outfielder from Richland Hills, to score giving the ‘Cats the early lead.
She said credits her success to mental preparation.
“My plan doesn’t change,” Hedrick said. “I take it game by game with my team. I do like to know a little bit about the team and pitcher that we will be facing to know what to expect for the upcoming game.”
The Dolphin Invitational won’t have any nationally ranked teams, but that won’t change the game plan for the Wildcats. The team will look to work on executing little things and perfecting their game.
Hedrick also said despite the winter weather this week, the team has gotten in some good hitting and is looking forward to this weekend’s games.
After the tournament, ACU will begin conference play March 6 at home against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.
