The historic home opening game for IUPUC’s first-ever softball team will be played on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at the team's field at Ceraland Park. The Crimson Pride will host Indiana Wesleyan. The doubleheader was orginally scheduled to be played on Saturday, but was moved to Thursday due to impending inclement weather. As part of the opening day festivities, Old National Bank is providing blankets (while supplies last) to fans who show up sporting their IUPUC or Crimson Pride gear.

“It’s really exciting,” said Tommi Stowers, IUPUC Head Softball Coach. “New team, new field, new coaches, new environment, new community. It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Stowers says she’s enjoyed shaping the inaugural team’s culture. She also applauds her dedicated, hard-working roster of players who work well to maximize each other’s strengths.

“My girls come from rival high schools all across Indiana, but they’ve come together to form this new team and have really learned to mesh well together,” Stowers added. “We don’t have one star player, we have 13.”

IUPUC softball continues its homestand Friday, February 24, with a double-header against Calumet University of St. Joseph starting at noon at Ceraland, 3989 S 525 E, in Columbus.

For the full softball schedule and team roster, visit iupucathletics.com.

About IUPUC athletics

IUPUC is participating as an associate member of the NAIA in its inaugural year in athletics, with plans to join the River States Conference (RSC) pending full NAIA membership. IUPUC athletic programs include: baseball, softball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country.