DAYTON - The University of Dayton softball team is set to open its 2020 schedule Friday at the three-day Mercer Invitational. Dayton will play a total of five games against Wright State, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Tulsa and host Mercer Feb. 7-9 at the Bears' Sikes Field in Macon, Georgia.

Dayton returns an experienced infield as seniors Julia Blarr and Ellie Ziegler will lead the defense from the corners while the Flyers' top returning offensive threat, junior Abby Ehrenborg has been enhancing her overall approach and will make an even bigger impact for UD at the plate. In the circle, senior Jessica Weaver has the most innings and experience and will continue to lead the pitching corps for Dayton.

"We have a healthy team culture where each member is fully committed to their role," said head coach Cara LaPlaca. "When each person embraces their role, there's truly no limits for this team. It has also been really beneficial that our entire coaching and support staffs return for the third consecutive year, making things seamless within the program. A unique situation that makes Dayton a special place."

The Flyers have five newcomers on the roster for 2020. "They have done a great job of embracing our team culture and blending their skills with the current roster. We expect each of them to have an immediate impact," continued La Placa.

Dayton's pre-conference schedule features a variety of opponents who emphasize different aspects of the game which will help the team learn to win in a wide range of ways. The Atlantic 10 portion of the schedule will get underway at Saint Joseph's March 21-22. The Flyers were picked to finish fourth in the 2020 A-10 Championship.