“We're obviously excited to be in the tournament and we know we have a big, big task in front of us, but I think the players are feeling pretty good and are ready to go. Now is the time of the season where we should be peaking and we've talked to our players about how now is the time,” said head coach Kenya Peters.

N.C. A&T has faced DSU in each of their four most recent tournament appearances with a 1-3 record against the Hornets. Raven Gray leads the Aggies from the plate, batting .362 with four triples and 51 hits. She is 30th in the nation in total triples and 44th in triples per game. Freshman Zadaisha Waddell heads the team in home runs (7) and RBIs (31). She is 5-15 from the circle with a 5.72 ERA. Mohagony Headen has been strong for the Aggies in the circle with a 7-4 record and 4.41 ERA with Janika May (5-11) close behind with a 4.95 ERA.

The tournament will be played in a double-elimination bracket format. The Aggies are guaranteed to play two games on Thursday. If the Aggies beat the Hornets, their next contest will be that same day at 7 p.m. A loss to the Hornets puts the Aggies on the brink of elimination with an elimination game scheduled at 4:30 p.m., Thursday.

Learning to Give Back

All the while the softball team has been preparing and practicing in hopes of a victorious season, they have also spent significant time and effort preparing to give back to others.

The softball team volunteered with the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) to help those experiencing homelessness in Greensboro. The team created care packages for those seeking refuge and support at the center and selflessly offered their time on Saturday, May 7.  

“Every time we have an away game and stay at hotels, we gather the complimentary shampoo, soap, conditioner and lotion in our rooms and at the end of the season we make supply bags for homeless people,” said freshman pitcher Mohagony Headen.

The IRC focuses on giving the homeless a chance to get back on their feet, offering classes and computer access to those seeking their help. The gardens surrounding the building provide food for individuals in need.

North Carolina A&T’s softball team has been involved in charitable activities throughout the year.  Players and coaches participated in events with the High Point Miracle League to help children with disabilities enjoy the game of baseball and spent time with elderly residents at several assisted living facilities around town.

“It’s good for us as a team to do stuff outside of softball and interact with the community and be able to go out and do good things for good people who may not have a lot,” said senior pitcher and left fielder Janika May. “We just like being involved and helping out. It’s a good way for us to get our minds off of softball and also give back to the community.”

The Aggies' philanthropic activities off the field benefit the less fortunate as well as help build comradery among the teammates especially during the often stressfulness of post-season play.