ETTRICK, Va. (February 2, 2019) – It has been while since the Trojans last took the field of play and Virginia State has waited long enough. The 2019 VSU softball season will start on Saturday, February 2, 2019, where they will host Barton College and the University of Virginia at Wise. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. at the VSU Softball Field. 
 
View VSU's full season opening schedule below. 
 
Saturday, Feb. 2
Virginia State vs. Barton College | 12 p.m. 
Virginia State vs. University of Virginia at Wise | 2 p.m. 
 
Sunday, Feb. 3
Virginia State vs. University of Virginia at Wise | 12 p.m.
Virginia State vs. University of Virginia at Wise | 2 p.m.
 
 
Need to Know
After finishing the 2018 regular season with an overall record of 17-14 (11-4 CIAA), the Trojans are predicted to finish the season in 4^th place, behind Chowan, Claflin (who will be making their first CIAA softball debut), and Bowie State.
 
Despite losing several key starters, the Trojans have found leader in returners Kennedy Presson, Vanessa Ruby, Darnae Jones, Shaniya Marble and Samantha Cunningham. Head Coach Lynne Gilbert has also added additional talent to the roster to help make this season a success.
 
Scouting Report
 
Barton College Bulldogs
Barton College finished 23-29 (5-15 Conference Carolinas) in 2018 and was picked to finish tenth in the 2019 Conference Carolinas Softball Preseason Poll. 
 
VSU's All-Time Record vs. Barton College: 0-8
The Trojans and the Bulldogs have not met since Mar. 25, 2016 when Barton College defeated Virginia State in doubleheader action, (0-2, 5-12).
 
University of Virginia at Wise 
UVA-W is coming off a 29-23 (16-16 MEC) season and returns 16 to this year's roster including three seniors in Shannon Bennett, Ava Hockeyand Lucindy Lawson.
 
VSU's All-Time Record vs. University of Virginia at Wise: 0-0
The two programs will meet for the first time in program history today.
 
What's Next?
Virginia State return to action on Sunday, February 3, 2019 as they host the University of Virginia at Wise in doubleheader action. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. at the VSU softball field. 
 
For more information on the VSU softball team, visit govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.