Softball Opens Season at Coastal Carolina

Friday, February 19

Conway, SC

10:00 AM

University at Buffalo

East Carolina

Softball Opens Season at Coastal Carolina

2/18/2021 12:53:00 PM | Softball

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo softball team will open up their 2021 campaign at the Battle at the Beach, hosted by Coastal Carolina. UB will take part in five games this weekend in Conway, South Carolina.

"It's been almost a year since we played our last game and everyone is looking forward to getting back on the field opening weekend," said head coach Mike Ruechel. "We are excited about the level of competition we'll be playing this year and we feel we've taken a step forward in our development and are ready to compete. We have some depth in our pitching staff and should be a much better defensive team compared to a year ago."

The Bulls compiled a 2-11 record in 2020 before the season was cancelled due to Covid-19. Buffalo will return 14 players from last season led by All-MAC selection Anna Aguon. Aguon posted a .385 batting average to go along with a team-high 15 hits, five doubles, a home run, 8 RBI and a team-best eight runs scored, while leading the team with a .590 slugging percentage and a .467 on base percentage.

UB returns four of its top five hitters from a season ago. In addition to Aguon , the Bulls return junior catcher Olivia Kincannon who posted a .324 batting average to go along with 12 hits, two doubles, a triple, a home run, three RBI and three runs scored, while recording a .514 slugging and .873 on base percentage. Also returning is senior Alicia Peters who recorded a .182 batting average to go along with six hits, two RBI and three runs scored. Sophomore Brianna Castro posted a .188 batting average to go along with six hits, two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored and Alexis Matheney batted .152 with five hits, two RBI and four runs scored.

With a young pitching staff, the Bulls will look to sophomores Alexis Lucyshyn and Madelyn Hickingbottom to pick up right where they left off as rookies, in which they carried most of the load for UB. Lucyshyn recorded a 3.34 ERA in seven appearances, striking out 25 batters to just 15 walks allowed. Hickingbottom made 10 appearances for Buffalo, recording a 3.60 ERA with 36 strikeouts while allowing just 22 walks. Mykaela Martin also made one appearance for the Bulls last season. Ally Marcano, Martha Balthasar and Julia Tarantino will also look to make an impact in the circle for UB this season.

Also playing in their first collegiate weekend for the Bulls will be Madison Fernimen, Sara Kelly, Ally Sobaszek, Rachel Steffan, Keren Hodulick, Carina Catalano and Jada Gowanlock.

The Bulls will begin the season at 10am on Friday against East Carolina before taking on Saint Francis (PA) at 12:30pm.On Saturday, Buffalo will open up play at 10am as they take on East Carolina before wrapping up day two against the hosts Coastal Carolina at 3pm. UB rounds out their opening weekend with a 10am contest against Saint Francis (PA).

For the latest updates and behind the scenes look at the Buffalo softball program, make sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @UBBullssoftball.