ITHACA, N.Y. - Cornell softball will open up its 2023 campaign this weekend at the Stetson Invitational. The slate of competition for the Big Red will include Presbytarian College, Stetson University, and the University of North Florida. Cornell will be competing in five games over the course of the weekend in DeLand, Florida.

The Big Red were picked to finish sixth in the Ivy-League. Cornell will feature five seniors on this year's squad, which includes Celia Macari who registered two home runs and appeared in 38 games last season. Mia Burd and Gabrielle Maday return to the mound for Cornell after both starting in over 15 games for the Big Red last season. Eight freshmen will be welcomed to the Cornell softball family. The freshmen group will feature a trio of Kyrie Denny (pitcher/infield), Madalyn Covelli (pitcher), and Lauren Holt (catcher/infield) who will add depth to Cornell's battery. Sydney Stapf (infield/outfield), Ella Herrod (infield), and Kate Callaway (outfield) also gear up to have a strong rookie season.

The Big Red will open up with Presbytarian College on Friday followed by a matchup with Stetson on the same evening. The Hose come into the matchup with a 10-0 record. They are currently led by Sophomore pitcher Morgon Hess, who leads the team with two home runs to go along with eight runs and 10 hits. Hess's ERA currently stands at 2.10 through four games appeared in on the mound. Sophomore fielder Kendall Owens has played her part in Presbytarian's success, registering seven runs on top of 12 hits.

Stetson brings an 8-4 record to the diamond on Friday night for their matchup with Cornell. Sophomore fielder Kami Epply will be a player to watch, as she has totaled 17 hits and nine runs on the campaign. She is followed by senior out-fielder Brianna Clary who has notched 14 hits and three runs. The Hatters have played a pitcher-by-committee style so far this season, showing action from all four pitchers. Lauren Hobbs has stood out amongst the group, posting a 4-1 record to go along with her 1.20 ERA.

North Florida currently holds a 7-3 record. The Osprey will take the field against the Big Red on Saturday morning. Senior out-fielder Kayla Harper leads the squad in runs (nine) accompanied by eight totals hits on 25 at bats. Redshirt junior Chloe Culp has blasted two home runs on 12 of her total hits this year. Izzy Kelly boasts a 4-1 record on the mound with a 2.63 ERA.

Cornell will go into it's first weekend of the season against solid competition. The Big Red look to hit the ground running and make a statement on the diamond this weekend at the Stetson Invitational.