JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman Softball stays in-state, but travels north to Jacksonville, Florida this weekend, as the Wildcats compete in the three-day JU/UNF Invitational co-hosted by Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida across both campuses, respectively.
 
BCU will take on four teams across five games, including Jacksonville twice. All games housed at the UNF Softball Complex will be streamed via SWOOPLife Live, in addition to live stats being available by clicking here.
 

Friday, Feb. 17
2:30 p.m. – vs. Memphis | Live Stats | SWOOPLife | Tickets
7:30 p.m. – at Jacksonville
 
Saturday, Feb. 18
1 p.m. – vs. Penn State | Live Stats
4:30 p.m. – at Jacksonville
 
Sunday, Feb. 19
12:30 p.m. – at North Florida | Live Stats | SWOOPLife | Tickets
 

Desirae Martinez was named this week's Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hitter of the Week. Martinez, a 5-foot-7, sophomore from Whittier, California, helped Bethune-Cookman over the course of last weekend during the season opening Paradise Classic hosted by Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Florida.
 
The California High alum went 5-for-13 for B-CU over the weekend at the Paradise Classic. She drove in four runs while scoring three runs herself. Martinez produced her first collegiate home run versus FAU and used a .615 slugging percentage across the weekend. She carried a .385 batting average across the five games, as BCU defeated Loyola (Ill.), and led No. 23 Mississippi State at the beginning of the game.
 
BCU captured its first win of the season with a 4-1 victory over Loyola (Ill.).
 
Carrington Robinson finished a perfect 7-of-7 in the field in seven opportunities with six putouts and an assist. Robinson was also 4-for-12 at the plate with a RBI.
 
Graduate student Kayla Traylor ended last weekend with nine putouts, nine assists and three hits – as well as a run scored.
 
As a team, the Wildcats registered 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
 
Halyne Gonzalez went 1-3 in the pitcher's circle last weekend, working 19.1 innings and collecting 15 strikeouts. Opponents are batting a .325 average against her on the campaign in five outings.
                                                                                                                           

"Last weekend, we saw some good things, as well as some things we can improve upon. But that's what it's all about…being able to actually have some game film and work on those improvements throughout the week."
 
"Any time you face teams in-state like UNF [North Florida] and JU [Jacksonville], as well as some good out-of-state opponents, it's only going to make you better."
 
"This weekend, I challenged a few of our players to step out of their comfort zone. When you have lofty goals and expectations, you have to be able to produce in a number of different areas. That includes players being able to adapt and be uncomfortable, in order to become comfortable. They must believe in themselves."
 

SCOUTING MEMPHIS (0-5, 0-0 C-USA)
Rankings: USA Today/NFCA Coaches – NR | ESPN.com/USA Softball – NR
Head Coach: Stephanie Vanbrakle Prothro (1st season)
2023 Batting Average: .205; Runs Per Game: 1.2; Hits Per Game: 4.6; Slugging Percentage: .250
2023 ERA: 8.21; K/BB Ratio: 0.95; Opp. Batting Avg: .381
 
SCOUTING JACKSONVILLE (3-3, 0-0 A-SUN)
Rankings: USA Today/NFCA Coaches – NR | ESPN.com/USA Softball – NR
Head Coach: Erica Ayers (6th season)
2023 Batting Average: .157; Runs Per Game: 2.83; Hits Per Game: 3.33; Slugging Percentage: .197
2023 ERA: 8.00; K/BB Ratio: 0.56; Opp. Batting Avg: .287
 
SCOUTING PENN STATE (0-0, 0-0 BIG TEN)
Rankings: USA Today/NFCA Coaches – NR | ESPN.com/USA Softball – NR
Head Coach: Clarisa Crowell (3rd season)
2022 Batting Average: .242; Runs Per Game: 4.07; Hits Per Game: 6.24; Slugging Percentage: .398
2022 ERA: 2.79; K/BB Ratio: 3.57; Opp. Batting Avg: .227
 
SCOUTING NORTH FLORIDA
Rankings: USA Today/NFCA Coaches – NR | ESPN.com/USA Softball – NR
Head Coach: Jordan Clark (1st season)
2023 Batting Average: .261; Runs Per Game: 5.0; Hits Per Game: 6.0; Slugging Percentage: .391
2023 ERA: 1.84; K/BB Ratio: 0.91; Opp. Batting Avg: .244
 
ADMISSIONS
Tickets for the JU/UNF Invitational can be purchased online or at the UNF Softball Complex ticket window beginning one hour prior to first pitch.
 

The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman travel to the annual Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. The three-day event pits BCU against some of the nation's best teams beginning Thursday, Feb. 23, at 12:30 p.m. ET.
 

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