Liberty Softball to Open Season at NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
2/7/2024 9:42:00 AM | Softball
Liberty, receiving votes in both the NFCA Coaches Poll and USA Softball Top 25, opens its 2024 season with 11 straight games in Florida. The Lady Flames compete in the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic, Friday through Sunday in Clearwater, Fla. Liberty starts off against St. John's, followed by games against No. 15 Oregon, No. 5 Clemson, (RV) Missouri and (RV) Notre Dame.
Liberty's Schedule
NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex
Clearwater, Fla.
Friday, Feb. 9
Liberty vs. St. John's - 5 p.m. (Field 9)
Liberty vs. No. 15 Oregon - 8 p.m. (Field 8)
Saturday, Feb. 10
Liberty vs. No. 5 Clemson - Noon (Field 9)
Liberty vs. Missouri - 4 p.m. (Field 9)
Sunday, Feb. 11
Liberty vs. Notre Dame - 10 a.m. (Field 3)
Liberty's Schedule
NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex
Clearwater, Fla.
Friday, Feb. 9
Liberty vs. St. John's - 5 p.m. (Field 9)
Liberty vs. No. 15 Oregon - 8 p.m. (Field 8)
Saturday, Feb. 10
Liberty vs. No. 5 Clemson - Noon (Field 9)
Liberty vs. Missouri - 4 p.m. (Field 9)
Sunday, Feb. 11
Liberty vs. Notre Dame - 10 a.m. (Field 3)
- All of Liberty's game will be broadcast on LFSN Radio, with Nick Pierce calling the action. Liberty's Saturday game against Missouri will air live nationally on MLB Network. All remaining games will be available for video stream through the GameChanger App (free download).
- Liberty received its first at-large berth in 2023, competing in Regionals for the third year in a row. The Lady Flames eliminated No. 2 UCLA and Grand Canyon before falling to San Diego State in the Los Angeles Regional final.
- The Lady Flames were chosen as the favorite in the 2024 Conference USA Preseason Poll in their first year in the conference. Additionally, junior outfielder Rachel Roupe was voted CUSA Preseason Player of the Year, while junior Paige Bachman was voted CUSA Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
- Liberty went 40-22 last season, its sixth straight full season with 40 or more wins. The Lady Flames set a program record with four wins over nationally-ranked opponents, defeating Top 25 teams Alabama, Central Arkansas and Clemson. Liberty, Florida State, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and UCLA are the only NCAA Division I softball teams with 40 or more wins every full season since 2017.
- Roupe and fellow outfielder KK Madrey were both named to the ASUN All-Conference first team last year. Roupe batted .317 with 15 homers and 50 RBI. Madrey hit .329 and finished second in the ASUN with 26 RBI. All-conference infielders Rachel Craine and Megan Fortner both batted .292 last year, with Craine hitting 12 doubles and Fortner launching 10 homers.
- Paige Bachman is Liberty's top returnee in the circle, going 10-9 with a 2.35 ERA last year. Incoming transfer Elena Escobar went 11-5 with a 2.45 ERA last year at North Alabama. Transfer Tyler Oubre (Louisiana) and freshman Katie Love and Kaylan Yoder are also expected to battle for time in the circle.
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/ SoftballLiberty Softball: The Greatest Victory
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Sunday, May 25
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Saturday, May 24
Lady Flames Softball Podcast: Breaking Down Liberty vs. Oregon, Rachel Roupe Drafted and More!
Thursday, May 22