PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania softball team kicks off the 2020 season on the road, traveling to Lynchburg, Va. for the Liberty Classic. The Quakers will play five games over three days beginning on Friday, February 28 at 1 p.m. The Red and Blue will face Butler, Liberty, Hofstra, Elon and Fairfield.
 
Previewing Penn
The Quakers enter the 2020 season with high expectations, having been named No. 2 in the Ivy League Preseason Media Poll. The Red and Blue return nearly their entire lineup, losing just four seniors from last season's roster but several players are ready to step up and replenish the depth.

Returning for the Quakers this season are four of the five All-Ivy contributors from last year's team, including all three from the first team. Sophomore Emma Nedley will look to build on a sensational freshman season that included both first-team All-Ivy and Rookie of the Year honors. Nedley and junior Kayla Ketring lead one of the best outfields in the conference, as Ketring will also look to add more awards to her growing list of accomplishments.

Another player to watch this season is junior Lucy Yang, who is coming off a second-team All-Ivy season last year. Yang hit .350 with four home runs and 25 RBI, while stealing nine bases. Yang has an opportunity to begin her climb up the Penn record books in stolen bases, as she currently sits in 11th, with seven needed to move into a tie for tenth all-time.

Senior Jennifer Brann returns to anchor the pitching staff, coming off a terrific season that saw her named first-team All-Ivy and throw the second perfect game in Quakers history. Brann has the chance to cement her legacy with another big season at the helm of the rotation.

Penn vs. Butler – Friday, 1:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn trails 11-5 | Last Meeting: March 9, 2016 (Butler, 10-2)
 
Previewing the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs enter the Liberty Classic at 8-3, but having lost the last two games to Akron and Presbyterian. Despite the losses, the Bulldogs should be a formidable opponent, already very well traveled, with stops in Illinois and Florida to begin the year. Sophomore Karli Ricketts has been leading the way on both sides of the ball to begin the season. At 3-2 with a 2.10 ERA, Ricketts has struck out 45 batters in 33.1 innings, while also mashing a team leading four home runs and 11 RBI in 11 games. 

Penn at Liberty – Friday, 5:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn trails 2-1 | Last Meeting: March 12, 2002 (Liberty, 5-0)
 
Previewing the Flames
The Flames have opened with a daunting schedule, going 3-11 and having faced ten ranked opponents, including seven in the top-10. While the Flames have escaped the gauntlet, they came away with a couple of big victories, knocking off #21 Ole Miss and shocking #6 Michigan. Having won their last two games, the Flames will welcome the journey home to familiar ground. Senior Amber Bishop is swinging a hot bat, hitting .356 with four home runs and nine RBI in 14 games and will serve as a big bat in the middle of the order.
 
Penn vs. Hofstra – Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: First Meeting
 
Previewing the Pride
At just 2-6, the Pride are off to a sluggish start, but will look to bounce back in the Liberty Classic. With no home games until March 10, the Pride have traveled across the country, logging important experience at the Stanford Invitational and the FAU Strike Out Cancer Tournament. The Pride will lean on freshman Lindsey Hay, who has hit the only home run for Hofstra this season as well as nearly 30% of the team's RBI so far.
 
Penn vs. Elon – Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: First Meeting
 
Previewing the Phoenix
After starting the season 7-1, the Phoenix have cooled down, dropping their last five to fall to 7-6 overall entering the Liberty Classic. Despite the recent struggles, the Phoenix will be a challenging competitor, having gone a perfect 4-0 at their own Elon Invitational. Sophomore Megan White is on fire, hitting four home runs and 14 RBI in just 13 games, while hitting .387. Senior Kenna Quinn leads the pitching staff, going 4-0 with a 0.27 ERA in four appearances so far this season.

Penn vs. Fairfield – Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn trails 3-2 | Last Meeting: March 6, 2005 (Fairfield, 5-3)
 
Previewing the Stags
The Stags got off to a quick start to the year, knocking off North Carolina 11-2, but have since dropped their last three to UNC-Greensboro and Purdue to enter the Liberty Classic at 1-3. Sophomore outfielder Kaitlin Hoffman is off to a very fast start, with five RBI in four games, hitting .357. It will be critical for the Quakers to attack the Stags pitching staff who have allowed an average of 9.3 runs per game in their three losses this season.