By: Zach Morgan, Contributing Writer

The UNF softball team will travel within the state as it takes on an opponent it recently dominated.

The team began its season in a surprising fashion by winning four of its first five games, all on the road. The Ospreys were ranked No. 6 in the Atlantic Sun Preseason Coaches Poll and managed to knock off several quality opponents in the Dot Richardson National Collegiate Softball Invitation. The Ospreys defeated Bethune-Cookman 8-5 to open their season and, after a loss to North Carolina, reeled off three consecutive wins against Florida A&M, Ohio State and Bethune-Cookman again.

“I feel great coming out of the first tournament, especially on the offensive side,” said head coach Marcie Hickey. “We did some damage with the bats this weekend for sure.”

Sophomore Mariah Reynolds was named the first Atlantic Sun Softball Player of the Week this season after being a key player in the Ospreys’ four wins. Reynolds smashed her first career grand slam with two outs in the top-half of the seventh inning and led the team in nearly every hitting statistic including hits (nine) and runs batted in (seven).

“It was just another hit to me,” Reynolds said about her grand slam. “I think it provided a lot of spark and just showed that we really can do this.”

UNF will return to the field Feb. 15 against Florida A&M for a double-header, giving the Ospreys the opportunity to build on their recent success against the Rattlers and for Reynolds to try and build on her first career grand slam. Following its double-header, the Ospreys have a week off before the Eagle Classic Feb. 24.

Email Zach Morgan at sports@unfspinnaker.com.
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