NATCHITOCHES, LA. – The Chattanooga Mocs' softball team is set to open its 2022 campaign on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission Lady Demon Classic hosted by Northwestern State.

The Mocs open the tournament at 11 a.m. (EST) on Friday against UT Martin. UTC will conclude Opening Day at 1:30 p.m. against the hosts.                  

Northwestern State is streaming all games against the Demons with a fee. Fans can follow live stats at no cost here.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE | TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
Friday, Feb. 11
vs. UT Martin – 11 a.m. (STATS)
at Northwestern State – 1:30 p.m. (STATS | VIDEO)

Saturday, Feb. 12
vs. Baylor – 5:30 p.m. (STATS)
vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff – 8 p.m. (STATS)
*all times Eastern

Sunday, Feb. 13
at Northwestern State – 10 a.m. (STATS | VIDEO)

CHATTANOOGA NOTES | FULL
PRESEASON ALL-SOCON
Emily Coltharp, Hannah Wood, Gracey Kruse and Liz Rodebaugh were named to the 2022 SoCon Preseason All-SoCon Second Team. The Mocs led the league with four players on the second team.

PRETTY FRESH TEAM
Of the 21 student-athletes on the roster, the Mocs have nine freshman who come from seven different states (TN, GA, FL, DE, IN, NE, OH). In the circle, Izzy Alley and Alyssa Lavdis will join the rotation. Infielders Presley Williamson and Acelynn Sellers are both from the Chattanooga area. Sellers is primarily a middle infielder and Williamson looks to make her presence known behind the plate. Head Coach Frank Reed brought in five utility players in Jayce Purdy, Bailey Myers, Olivia Lipari, Skylar Berkhiser and Abby Orr.

RECAPPING LAST SPRING
After a slow 5-15 start in nonconference action, the Mocs went 8-8 in SoCon competition to secure a spot in the conference tournament (confined to four teams in 2021). The Mocs needed to win two of three games in the season's final series vs. the Samford Bulldogs. UTC won the opener and the season finale to keep its season alive.
 
THE MOCS IN SEASON OPENERS
Chattanooga is 15-13 in season openers in program history. Coach Reed is 11-9 in his 20 season openers at Chattanooga.  

UTC VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE
Chattanooga and Northwestern State have faced 11 times in the history of the programs, but only three times since 2001. The Mocs are 2-1 in those contests, 2-0 at home and 0-1 at a neutral site. Prior to 2001, the Demons and the Mocs faced each other six times in 1999 and twice in 2000. UTC won all eight of those meetings.

A LOOK AT THE REST OF THE FIELD
UT Martin, Northwestern State, Arkansas Pine Bluff and Baylor combined to hold an 80-93 (.462) record last season. In their selective preseason polls, UT Martin and Baylor were picked fourth, Northwestern State was selected second and Arkansas Pine Bluff was chosen to finish last.
 
SERIES HISTORY
Vs. UT Martin – UTC leads 25-10. Last met Feb. 24, 2021, UTM won 10-7
vs. Northwestern State – UTC leads 10-1. Last met Feb. 24, 2017, UTC won 5-3
vs. Baylor – Baylor leads 1-0. Last met March 5, 2004, Baylor won 4-1.
Have not previously faced Arkansas Pine Bluff.

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