Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider Softball announces 2023 schedule

Jeff Breeden/Head Softball Coach | Middle Tennessee State University

By Press release submission

Jan 14, 2023

Middle Tennessee Softball has announced its 2023 schedule, which will see it host 20 games at Blue Raider Softball Field, including four Conference USA series. Admission is free for all Middle Tennessee Softball home games.

MTSU will open the season at the UC Riverside Tournament from Feb. 9-12 in Riverside, Calif. A week later, the Blue Raiders will also visit Fort Myers, Fla. for the FGCU Tournament from Feb. 17-19. Statesboro, Ga. will be next on Middle Tennessee's calendar when it travels for the Georgia Southern Tournament Feb. 24-26.

Head Coach Jeff Breeden's team will then head to Madeira Beach, Fla. for The Spring Games March 3-5, before hosting the MTSU Invitational on March 9-12.

"By playing in these tournaments early in the season, we put together a good combination of teams that will get us ready for our Conference USA schedule," said Breeden.

Rival Western Kentucky will visit Murfreesboro on April 14-16 this season, with the Blue Raiders also hosting conference foes UAB, FAU and UTSA in '23.

During home weekend series in 2023, Friday first pitches will be set for 6 p.m., Saturday games will commence at 4 p.m. and Sunday series finales will get underway at noon.

"We're going to compete hard every time out on the field and be a fun team to watch, our goal is to win a Conference USA championship and go to the NCAA tournament," said Breeden.

In addition to C-USA road series at Louisiana Tech, Charlotte, FIU and North Texas, Middle Tennessee will host Southeast Missouri, Central Arkansas and Murray State for midweek games at Blue Raider Softball Field. MTSU will also visit Austin Peay and Tennessee State for midweek contests this season.

After Middle Tennessee closes the regular season on May 7 at North Texas, the C-USA Tournament is slated for May 10-13 in Ruston, La.

Breeden returns for his 11th season as head coach in 2023, and assistant coach Tony Foti is back for his 10th campaign. Middle Tennessee also welcomes the newest member of its coaching staff, Helen Peña. The graduate of California Polytechnic State University comes to Rutherford County from the University of Memphis, where she spent the previous five years on the Tigers' staff.

The Blue Raiders will return some key players in the upcoming 2023 season with Gretchen Mead, Laura Mealer, Anyce Harvey, and Amaya Harris. Along with 9 newcomers added to the roster, six of which are freshmen.