ELON, N.C. – The Elon University softball team will now play a doubleheader with NC State tomorrow, March 16, after adding a game to the originally scheduled one-game series. The first game of the doubleheader between the Phoenix (13-5) and the Wolfpack (10-10) will begin at 4 p.m. at East Field, while the first pitch of the second game is expected around 6 p.m.

THE SERIES: Elon holds a 5-4 all-time advantage over NC State. The Phoenix and Wolfpack last met in a doubleheader on March 31, 2009, in Raleigh, N.C. NC State came out victorious in both games by scores of 10-2 and 7-2.

ON DECK: After the mid-week contest with the Wolfpack, the Phoenix will travel to Appalachian State for a series with the Mountaineers. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday, March 19, and the third and final game of the series on Sunday, March 20. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. both days.

THE RADUENZ FILE: The 2011 season marks Patti Raduenz’s 11th season as Elon’s head coach. Raduenz currently holds a 260-306-2 career record. Raduenz is 10 wins shy of passing former Elon head coach Sue Leonard for the most victories in school history.

TAYLOR NAMED PITCHER OF THE WEEK, AGAIN: Senior pitcher Lauren Taylor picked up SoCon Pitcher of the Week honors for the third time in five weeks on March 14. Taylor started one game and went 2-0 in the circle as the Phoenix began conference play at College of Charleston March 12-13. The Lillington, N.C., native pitched 12.2 innings with a flawless 0.00 ERA, while striking out 10. In the first game of the doubleheader against the Cougars, Taylor pitches a complete-game shutout. The senior holds an 8-2 season record with an overall ERA of 1.47.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Elon returns to the friendly confines of East Field on Wednesday for the first time since Feb. 20. The Phoenix has played 10 straight road games since last playing at home. Elon currently holds a 7-1 record at East Field this season.

CAN’T TOUCH THIS: The Elon pitching staff has been nothing short of outstanding so far this season. Elon’s hurlers have given up the least amount of runs (45) in the conference and have combined for the second-lowest SoCon ERA (2.28). The Phoenix is holding opponents to a .248 batting average and has struck out 107 batters. 

-- ELON --