March 7, 2008

OXFORD - The Miami softball team heads to Charlotte, N.C., this weekend for the 49er Invitational, hosted by the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

The RedHawks kick off the weekend in a game against North Florida at 10 a.m. Saturday. The RedHawks will close out Saturday's action at 3 p.m. when the team plays host UNC-Charlotte. Miami will finish the tournament with the same slate of games on Sunday, with games at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The RedHawks are coming off of a win from their last tournament in Tempe, Arizona, defeating Buffalo, 6-1.

Senior captain Halle Popson had eight hits during the five-game tournament, for a .571 batting average on the weekend. Popson is currently riding a six-game hitting streak, and leads the team in on-base percentage (.543). She also stole two bases against ASU, giving her a team-high four swipes on the season.

Miami proved it can compete with some of the elite programs in the nation, keeping its game with now No.1 ranked Arizona State close, losing by a 7-3 final. Miami was chosen to finish third in the East in 2008 by the MAC's head coaches.

Following the games in North Carolina, the RedHawks will travel to the Derby City for the University of Louisville Tournament, Friday March 14 - Sunday, March 16.