The Akron Zips are gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Raleigh Times Tournament, hosted by NC State from February 20-22. They will face off against Providence and Illinois on Friday, continue with Illinois and NC State on Saturday, and wrap up with another game against NC State on Sunday. Fans can catch both NC State games on ESPN+.
Game Schedule
- Feb. 20: vs. Providence at 10:30 AM – Live Stats
- Feb. 20: vs. Illinois at 1:00 PM – Live Stats
- Feb. 21: vs. Illinois at 9:30 AM – Live Stats
- Feb. 21: vs. NC State at 2:30 PM – Live Stats | Live Video
- Feb. 22: vs. NC State at 11:30 AM – Live Stats | Live Video
Team Overview
Under fourth-year head coach Craig Nicholson, the Zips are ready for their 30th season of intercollegiate competition. This year, they’ve brought back 17 players from the previous season and added six new faces. Excitingly, four players have earned All-MAC honors, including Meagan Lee and Sophia Wygast on the First Team, while Madie Jamrog and Andrea Day were recognized on the All-MAC Freshman Team.
Currently, the Zips have a 4-7 record, enjoying a three-game winning streak against UConn, Western Carolina, and Charleston Southern. Their team batting average stands at .243, with notable contributions from players like Meagan Lee and Andrea Day, both hitting above .300. Lee leads the team with 11 hits and 9 runs scored, while Sydney Selker has been impressive with two home runs and nine RBIs.
On the mound, Madie Jamrog has been a key player, appearing in six games and starting five. She’s pitched over 31 innings, striking out 12 batters and maintaining a 3.57 ERA.
Predictions for the Season
In the Mid-American Conference (MAC) preseason poll, the Zips were predicted to finish fourth, receiving 93 points and a first-place vote. Miami topped the poll with 116 points, showing they are the team to watch this season. Here’s a snapshot of the top predictions:
- Miami – 116 points (8 first-place votes)
- Ohio – 108 points (1)
- Ball State – 98 points (2)
- Akron – 93 points (1)
It’s shaping up to be an exciting season for the Akron Zips as they strive not just for league success, but to make a mark in the MAC Tournament later in the year.
Conclusion
The Zips are not just looking to make a strong showing at the tournament but also aiming for a successful season. As they move forward, fans and analysts alike will be keen on how these young athletes perform against established programs. Let’s cheer them on as they hit the diamond!
For more information on college baseball and stats, visit NCAA Softball.
