Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL OPENS 2004 SEASON AT THE TRIANGLE TOURNAMENT
2.12.04 | Softball
Temple, 0-5 against Purdue, last met the Boilermakers on March 8, 2003 at the coveted Speedline Invitational, where the Owls fell 6-4. Temple has played Campbell only once in its history. The Fighting Camels defeated the Owls 9-5 on February 22, 1997 at the Triangle Classic.
Seniors Alexis Gary, Lynsey Grace, and Katie Weigle will lead the charge to change history by notching Temple's first-ever wins against both Purdue and Campbell. Gary, Grace, and Weigel, serve as the foundation for the 2004 Owls, looking to improve on last season's second-place Atlantic 10 Conference finish.
Gary, recently drafted into the National Pro Softball league, has caught nearly every minute for the Owls in the past three seasons. A threat at the plate, Gary led the team in hits, doubles, and total bases last season. Currently, Gary owns the third-best record in Temple softball history for career hits.
The outfield strength centers around left-fielder Grace and center-fielder Weigle, both members of the 2003 all-Atlantic 10 Tournament team. Grace will threaten from the outfield with her strong arm and consistent plate play. With five homeruns this season, Grace will move into Temple's leading position for all-time career homeruns. Weigle, a left-handed slapper, led the 2003 Owls in runs scored. As the Owls' quickest base-runner, Wiegle will become Temple's all-time career leader for stolen bases with two more steals this season.
Campbell, 4-0, has swept two weekend double-headers against Charleston Southern and Radford this season. Freshman Stephenie Pappas leads the Fighting Camels with a .625 batting average, as she went 4-6 including a triple and homerun on Sunday, February 8 against Charleston Southern. On the mound for Campbell Kelly Weaver and Lexi Myers have split the four wins and own a 1.17 and 1.87 ERA, respectively.
Purdue opens its 2004 season at the Triangle Classic against Temple.
The 21-team Triangle Classic Tournament features a round of pool play on Friday, followed by two days of bracket play. Other teams at the tournament include Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Elon, Fordham, George Mason, James Madison, Kent State, Liberty, Louisville, Marshall, Mercer, Miami (Ohio), North Carolina, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, NC State, Radford, and Virginia.
