March 20, 2009

The George Mason softball team opens Colonial Athletic Association play this weekend, and faces a stiff test right off the bat as it hosts Hofstra, the seven-time defending CAA champions. The teams will play a doubleheader at noon Saturday with the series finale at 12 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission to all games at George Mason Field is free. In addition, Saturday's doubleheader is the Broadside Game of the Week, and Mason students can receive free pizza with their student ID.

The Patriots begin conference play with a 13-11 overall record, after taking both games of its doubleheader on Wednesday against Mount St. Mary's. Four freshman power the offense, including Tori Dudley's team-best batting average of .319 and Morgan Davis's 15 RBIs, most among the team.

In the circle, junior Becky Anderson and freshman Miranda Cranford will take on the Pride bats. Anderson is third in strikeouts with 64 while tossing a conference-high 84.1 innings. Cranford, who has compiled a 2.61 ERA, also is one of the top offensive threats for Mason, as she is batting .308 and has drove in 10 RBIs.

The Pride come to Fairfax with a 7-11 record, including a 6-1 victory on Wednesday over St. John's. Hofstra is led on offense by Michele DePasquale, who is batting .455 with 11 RBIs and two home runs, all team highs. Kayleigh Lotti anchors the Pride pitching staff, as she has compiled a 1.92 ERA and 6-4 record in 12 appearances.

Last season, Hofstra took all three games of the weekend series in Hempstead, with game scores of 4-0, 9-1, and 8-0.