Softball Kicks Off Season in Virginia

The softball team will kick off its season this weekend at the George Mason Invitational in Fairfax, Va. First up for the Red is a matchup with the host team tomorrow at 11:45 a.m., followed by an afternoon contest against Akron. George Mason is coming off of a four-game sweep to open its new home ballpark, whereas Akron carries a 4-5 record coming into this weekend’s invitational. The Red returns to the field on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. to take on Ivy League rival Penn, also opening its season in Va., and concludes the weekend with a 1:30 game vs. Saint Josephs (2-2). Cornell finished the 2008 season with a 40-10 overall record, and ranked second in the Ivy League at 16-4. The Red was also No. 1 nationally in team batting average (.351). The team is hoping to benefit from the addition of Abby Arceneaux to the Red coaching staff. Arceneaux previously served as an assistant coach for Union College last season.