The Morehead State softball team will travel to Richmond to play a non-conference doubleheader against archrival Eastern Kentucky on April 15 at Gertrude Hood Field. The first game is scheduled for 3 p.m., marking the start of a six-game road trip for the Eagles.
This matchup is significant as it provides Morehead State with an opportunity to continue building momentum following recent series wins over Southern Indiana and Tennessee State. Head coach Megan Griffith said, “We’re looking forward to squaring off against EKU to help us prepare for UT Martin this weekend. We’re looking for strong contributions from our full pitching staff, strong defense behind them and offensive execution at the plate.”
Morehead State (6-27) has seen improvements in several offensive categories this season, including runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and batting average. The team also leads the nation in fewest hit batsmen allowed with just three plunked batters so far this year. Junior outfielder Maddy Christopher has reached base in 32 of 33 games this season while junior infielder Sela Pickford recorded a hit in 29 of those contests.
Eastern Kentucky (21-19) holds a strong home record at 14-5 and recently swept North Alabama in a three-game series. The Colonels have won most of their previous meetings with Morehead State—67 out of 93 games—and maintain a significant advantage since 2012.
Both teams are statistically similar offensively with each holding a .276 batting average entering the matchup. Individual standouts include Christopher leading MSU with a .381 average and senior outfielder Jaelin Haynes topping EKU hitters at .347.
Looking ahead, Morehead State will continue its road stretch by facing UT Martin over the weekend before concluding away games at Northern Kentucky on April 22. The Eagles return home for their final series against Southeast Missouri from April 25-26.
