Softball 3/20/2015 8:46:00 AM

SOFTBALL RESUMES BIG SOUTH PLAY AT PRESBYTERIAN

Game 1
Saturday, March 21 :: 1 p.m.
Live Stats :: Video

Game 2
Saturday, March 21 :: 3 p.m.
Live Stats :: Video

Game 3
Sunday, March 22 :: 1 p.m.
Live Stats :: Video

Radford Highlanders (6-13, 2-1 Big South)
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RADFORD, Va. ---- Coming off a midweek nonconference loss to No. 25 Virginia Tech, the Radford Softball team looks to rebound by improving its 2-1 Big South record at Presbyterian College this weekend. Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m., with the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m.

"We are looking forward to our next opportunity to take the field and go head to head with another Big South team," said head coach Maggie White. "We will look to improve on our scoring opportunities and to be consistent on the mound. Our defense has made great strides, and we expect to stay sharp in that area."

Last time out, the Highlanders (6-13, 2-1 BSC) stranded 10 baserunners against No. 25 Virginia Tech. Eleven walks contributed to the 11-1 loss for the Red and White. Radford has won three of its last five, taking two of three against Campbell for the first time since 2012. The Highlanders took game one against the Camels on March 14, 5-2, and claimed the series finale, 8-4, on March 15. Radford had eight extra base hits in the Big South Conference opening series.

Taylor Asimakopoulos highlighted the Highlanders' weekend against Campbell, earning the first two victories of her collegiate career. Asimakopoulos struck out five batters and held the high-powered Camel offense to four runs in 14 innings. She got her first collegiate start in the series finale, pitching a complete game to earn her second win of the weekend and the season. Asimakopoulos had a 2.00 ERA during the three-game series and entered this week second on the team with a 2.67 ERA on the year.

After Wednesday night's test against the Hokies, Nia Chiles has reclaimed the top batting average on the team at .383. Chiles is second with 18 hits and has come across home plate on seven occasions. Maggie Rowe is batting .375 with four doubles and a home run. Mackenzie Blackwell extended her hit streak to five games and has hit two doubles in the last four games.

Radford leads the all-time series against Presbyterian (11-11, 1-1 BSC), 15-4. The two programs squared off four times last season, with the Highlanders sweeping the three-game regular season series before falling to the Blue Hose at the conference tournament, 4-2. The Highlanders have won seven of the previous 10 meetings, including four straight from April 2013-April 2014.

Radford is 7-2 against Presbyterian on road. Last time at Clinton, S.C., the Highlanders took two of three games from the Blue Hose from April 13-14, 2013. The Red and White outscored PC 18-6 in the three games, highlighted by an 11-1 rout in five innings in the series opener.

For the latest news on the Radford softball team, follow the Highlanders on Twitter at @RadfordSoftball. To keep up with all Radford athletics, follow @RU_Athletics on Twitter.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Mackenzie Blackwell: OF; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

#7 Nia Chiles: UT; 5' 11"; Junior; L/R

#38 Maggie Rowe: C/1B; 5' 4"; Freshman; R/R

#24 Taylor Asimakopoulos: P; 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#8 Mackenzie Blackwell
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: OF

#7 Nia Chiles
: 5' 11"; Junior; L/R
: UT

#38 Maggie Rowe
: 5' 4"; Freshman; R/R
: C/1B

#24 Taylor Asimakopoulos
: 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R
: P