The softball team kicked off their season with impressive back-to-back wins on Saturday, defeating both Lipscomb University and Coastal Carolina University. Unfortunately, the Phoenix could not repeat Saturdays performance and lost its rematches to the same teams on Sunday.

The Phoenix was making great plays in the field and was also getting it done at the plate. They were patient hitters and swung the bat well. The Phoenix recorded a combined 11 runs on only 15 hits. The women look to have repeat success in a doubleheader against University of North Carolina at their home opener on Wednesday.

Returning eight starters and three pitchers from last years squad, Head Coach Patti Raduenz and the Phoenix are looking forward to a winning season. In its first few games, the experience of the team was quickly seen in its mastering of basic fundamentals and routine plays. Raduenz is pleased to have many players who have been there and done that before, and are eager to show their talent and experience on the diamond. Even with their veteran squad, the Phoenix added newcomer Ashlee Crewe at third base to its lineup. Raduenz believes Crewe will make an immediate impact on the team.

The Phoenix is 2-2 this season, and has two more games before they host the spring Invitational on Friday through Sunday. The Elon Invitational will take place at the Burlington Springwood Park and will feature universities such as Campbell, Connecticut, Georgetown, North Carolina A&T, Ohio, Rider and Rutgers.

Elon will host its second tournament, The Phoenix Classic, on March 3 and 4. Bucknell, UNC-Greensboro, Norfolk State and St. Francis are among those universities participating in the action. In addition, the Phoenix will be on the road for back to back tournaments at Winthrop University on March 9 through 11, and Stetson University on March 16 through 18.

The Phoenix will then return home to open SoCon action against the College of Charleston on March 24. It will end the month of March with a 4-game home stand against Campbell University and SoCon opponent Western Carolina. The Phoenix will then travel to conference opponents, Furman and Appalachian State. It will finish out the regular season at home hosting Georgia Southern, North Carolina A&T, Chattanooga and UNC-G. The SoCon Championship is scheduled for May 9 through 12 in Greensboro, hosted by UNC-G.

Our game plan is to play one game at a time, Raduenz said. We have versatile players who can play a lot of different positions. Were going to give them all some time.

The team is confident that the experience of the veterans combined with some new faces will successfully lead the team to another great year.

Reporter: Michelle Longo - 02/22/07