As the 2023 softball season gets underway, the Florida Tech Panthers are gearing up for another exciting year of competition. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, the Panthers are looking to make a strong impression in the Sunshine State Conference. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Florida Tech softball schedule for the 2023 season, highlighting key matchups, tournaments, and games to watch.
The Florida Tech softball team has a rich history of success, with multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances under their belt. Led by head coach Val Silvestrini, the Panthers are known for their strong pitching, timely hitting, and aggressive base running. With a mix of veteran leaders and talented newcomers, the 2023 squad is poised to make a deep run in the postseason.
2023 Season Schedule Highlights
The Panthers' 2023 schedule is packed with exciting matchups against top opponents from around the country. Here are some of the highlights:
- Early Season Tournaments: Florida Tech will kick off the season with a pair of tournaments in February, starting with the Charger Chillout in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The Panthers will face off against host team Hillsborough Community College, as well as other top teams from the region.
- Sunshine State Conference Opener: On February 25, the Panthers will open Sunshine State Conference play against Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. This will be the first of 26 conference games on the schedule.
- Non-Conference Showdowns: Florida Tech will face off against several non-conference opponents, including NCAA Division I teams like the University of North Florida and the University of Central Florida.
- Home Stand: The Panthers will enjoy a lengthy home stand in March, hosting 10 consecutive games at Nancy Bottge Field. This stretch will include matchups against conference foes like Barry University and Nova Southeastern University.
- Senior Day: On April 22, the Panthers will celebrate Senior Day with a doubleheader against Florida Southern College.
Key Matchups to Watch
While every game is important, there are several key matchups on the schedule that could have a significant impact on the Panthers' season. Here are a few to watch:
- February 25: Lynn University: The Panthers' conference opener against Lynn University will set the tone for the rest of the season. A strong start against a tough opponent will be crucial.
- March 11: Barry University: Barry has been a thorn in the side of the Panthers in recent years, so this matchup will be a key test of Florida Tech's mettle.
- April 1: Nova Southeastern University: The Panthers will face off against Nova Southeastern in a doubleheader on April 1. This will be a critical series in the conference standings.
Florida Tech Softball Roster: 2023 Season Preview
The Panthers' roster is loaded with talent and experience, with several key players returning from last year's squad. Here are a few players to watch:
- Juniors: Outfielder/shortstop Jolie Ruiz and pitcher/infielder Sarah Lawton are two of the top returning players for the Panthers. Both were named to the All-Sunshine State Conference team last season.
- Newcomers: Freshman pitcher Mackenzie Ward and transfer student-athlete catcher Olivia Everett are two newcomers to watch. Both have the potential to make an immediate impact on the team.
Florida Tech Softball Coaching Staff: 2023 Season
The Panthers' coaching staff is led by head coach Val Silvestrini, who is entering her 10th season at the helm. Silvestrini has built a reputation as one of the top coaches in the Sunshine State Conference, with multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances under her belt.
Gallery of Florida Tech Softball
FAQs
What is the Florida Tech softball schedule for the 2023 season?
+The Florida Tech softball schedule for the 2023 season includes 26 conference games, as well as several non-conference matchups against top opponents from around the country.
Who are the top players on the Florida Tech softball roster?
+The Panthers' roster is loaded with talent and experience, with several key players returning from last year's squad. Juniors Jolie Ruiz and Sarah Lawton are two of the top returning players, while freshmen Mackenzie Ward and transfer student-athlete Olivia Everett are newcomers to watch.
Who is the head coach of the Florida Tech softball team?
+The head coach of the Florida Tech softball team is Val Silvestrini, who is entering her 10th season at the helm. Silvestrini has built a reputation as one of the top coaches in the Sunshine State Conference, with multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances under her belt.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Florida Tech softball schedule for the 2023 season. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, the Panthers are poised to make a deep run in the postseason. Be sure to follow along with all the action and stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates from the world of Florida Tech softball.