DRIFTON, Pa. – The Shippensburg University softball team will begin play in the 2012 PSAC Softball Championships at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the ASA of PA Jake Kislan Softball Complex. Its opening contest will be against Lock Haven, the Central Division No. 1 seed.

In a departure from the past three seasons, pod play has been eliminated in lieu of a traditional bracketed tournament. With nine teams qualifying for the postseason, the opening game of the tournament features a “play-in” contest between the No. 3 seeds from the Eastern and Central Divisions. A full bracket is available online.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $2 for students, however students of PSAC member institutions receive free admission with their identification card. Programs will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Live statistics of all games can be accessed through the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference website. Links to the statistics for the Shippensburg games will be posted on shipraiders.com.

Preview vs. Lock Haven

The two teams had a regular season showdown at Lock Haven just nine days ago, with each squad winning a game. SU used all five of its pitchers that day, with none throwing more than four innings between the two games. 

Shippensburg and Lock Haven have met quite often in the postseason over the last several years.

Last season, Lock Haven eliminated Shippensburg from the NCAA tournament with a 5-4 loss at Bloomsburg. Both of the primary pitchers for the Lady Eagles, Sarah Morse and Nicole Smith, threw in that game and also in this season's doubleheader.

In 2009, SU went to Lock Haven for the first round of the PSAC tournament but was eliminated after 7-0 and 11-1 losses to the Lady Eagles. Lock Haven eventually won its second NCAA Division II national championship that season. The Lady Eagles also eliminated SU from the 2006 NCAA tournament en route to its first D-II national title.

Thursday Playing Scenarios:

If Shippensburg wins against Lock Haven, the Raiders will play again at 1 p.m. Thursday against Cal, IUP or West Chester on Field 2.

If Shippensburg loses against Lock Haven, the Raiders will play again at 10 a.m. Thursday against Cal, IUP or West Chester on Field 1.

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If Shippensburg wins against Lock Haven on Wednesday but loses its 1 p.m. Thursday game, it will play again at 4 p.m. Thursday on Field 2.

If Shippensburg loses against Lock Haven on Wednesday but wins its 10 a.m. Thursday game, it will play again at 4 p.m. Thursday on Field 1.

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If Shippensburg wins against Lock Haven on Wednesday and wins its 1 p.m. Thursday game, it will play again at 10 a.m. Friday on Field 2.