Troy University Athletics
Trojans on The Road Again
2/12/2009 6:00:00 AM | Softball
The Troy Trojans softball team is on the road again this weekend to face the Georgia Southern Eagles and the Mercer Bears in Statesboro, Georgia.
"Both of these programs are very solid programs from our region," Trojans head coach Melanie Davis said. "They'll both present different types of challenges for us."
Mercer (2-0) brings a first year head coach to the table in Mike Raynor, and Davis believes that all new head coaches bring new enthusiasm to programs that could make for a tough contest.
"Mike Raynor knows the game very well," Davis said. "I have known Mike for a long time. It's been a while since we've faced Mercer, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to take on a quality opponent that was very successful last season."
The Bears have played two games to date this season. Both were wins against Savannah State, and the Bears outscored their opponent by a combined score of 30-0 in a doubleheader. The Bears won game one 12-0 and game two 18-0.
The Trojans (4-1) will face a pitching staff against Mercer that has already recorded a no-hitter this season. Troy's doubleheader with the Bears is slated for Saturday at 1 pm.
Troy will be Georgia Southern's (0-0) season opener on Friday afternoon.
"Georgia Southern has a new coach at the helm for them as well," Davis said. "We saw this past weekend how often times a new coach brings excitement to the program when Maine rallied against us and fought to go to extra innings. I'm sure that coach (Maggie) Johnson will have her team ready to take on our team in a very competitive fashion."
Troy enters the weekend with the momentum rolling high after taking the UT Chattanooga Shootout title.
"Both programs have been successful in the region," Davis said. "It's very important that you do well in your region for post-season selection time. Both teams are returning the majority of their pitching staff, and they are very solid on the mound. That always makes for a tough challenge."
Davis looks forward to another opportunity for the Trojans to improve against quality opponents.
"They'll definitely be challenging opponents and a great opportunity for us to continue to try and get better in this long non-conference run."
