LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis softball team opens the 2021 season with a trip to Conway, South Carolina to play in the Battle of the Beach this weekend. The tournament features games against Buffalo, East Carolina and the host team – Coastal Carolina.
 
The Event: Battle at the Beach
Location: St. John Stadium (Conway, S.C.)
Live Stats: goccusports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 
Game 1: Saint Francis vs. Buffalo
Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 19 – 12:30 p.m.
 
Game 2: Saint Francis at Coastal Carolina
Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 19 – 5:30 p.m.
 
Game 3: Saint Francis vs. East Carolina
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 20 – 12:30 p.m.
 
Game 4: Saint Francis at Coastal Carolina
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 20 – 5:30 p.m.
 
Game 5: Saint Francis vs. Buffalo
Date and Time: Sunday, Feb. 21 – 10 a.m.
 

SCOUTING THE BULLS
This is opening weekend for Buffalo. In 2020, the Bulls finished with a 2-11 record. UB earned both of its wins during opening weekend, beating UT Martin 4-3 and Grambling State 8-7. This weekend will be the first-ever meeting between the Red Flash and the Bulls.

SCOUTING THE CHANTICLEERS
After canceling last weekend's tournament due to weather, this is opening weekend for Coastal Carolina. Last season, the Chanticleers amassed a 13-8 record and was 1-2 in conference play. Coastal Carolina earned six shutouts and posted a 7-1 win against No. 8 Louisiana at the beginning of March.

The Red Flash is 1-4 in the all-time series against the Chanticleers. The win was by a 4-3 margin on Feb. 11, 2018.

SCOUTING THE PIRATES
East Carolina earned two wins to begin the 2021 slate. ECU swept the doubleheader at Furman last Friday, winning by 7-1 and 12-4 margins, and was rewarded with American Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors. Last season, the Pirates finished 14-9 with three shutouts, ending the season on a three-game win streak.

Saint Francis holds the 7-3 advantage in the all-time series against East Carolina. The teams most recently met twice during the 2018 season, with the Red Flash earning 2-0 and 7-2 wins against the Pirates.

 
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To learn more about Saint Francis University, visit francis.edu.