HARRISONBURG, Va. – The 2024 spring sports season is here, and the EMU Athletic Communications Department will be previewing all three of our spring teams. The final team we'll take a look is the Royals softball team:
Head Coach: JD McCurdy - 21st season (382-333-3)
Last Season: 11-22-1, 4-16 ODAC
Preseason ODAC Poll: 11th (25 pts.)
Schedule Highlights
Season & Home Opener: vs Pitt-Bradford - Saturday, Feb. 24 at 12:00 pm
ODAC Opener: at Guilford - Saturday, Mar. 23 at 1 & 3 pm
Home ODAC Opener: vs Roanoke - Wednesday, Mar. 27 at 3 & 5 pm
Poultry Road Rivalry Game vs Bridgewater: Tuesday, Apr. 2 at 3 & 5 pm
Rowdy Royals Game: Saturday, Apr. 6 vs Lynchburg at 3 pm
Senior Day: vs Randolph Macon - Saturday, Apr. 30 at 1 pm
Key Losses: Becca Boone
Key Returners: Carsen Brake, Grace Fravel, Natalye Graham, Samantha Hensley,
Outlook: McCurdy enters his 21st season at the helm of the Royals program. EMU had an uncharacteristic season in 2023 and will look to bounce back in 2024. The Royals lost All-ODAC catcher,
Becca Boone, but will return a wealth of talent as well as some strong incoming players. Graham will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the circle, but won't be doing it alone, as she's joined by graduate transfer and Dayton native,
Makayla Cyzick. At the plate, First-Team All-ODAC returner Sam Hensley, and All-ODAC third baseman
Grace Fravel will pace the offense, but
Carsen Brake,
Emerson Adkins,
Taylor Umberger and some a strong incoming first-year class has McCurdy optimistic about the Royals chances in the ODAC this season.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU softball, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
