University of Georgia Athletics
Thursday, February 15
Clearwater, Fla.
1 p.m.
University of Georgia
vs
Wisconsin
No. 4 Bulldogs Poised to Take on Top Competition at Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational
February 14, 2024 | Softball
No. 4/4 Georgia (5-0)
at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield
Dates: Thursday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024
Georgia Opponents:
Wisconsin (4-1)
#6/8 Oklahoma State (5-0)
#19/20 UCLA (2-3)
#7/5 Florida State (4-1)
Minnesota (3-2)
Location: Clearwater, Fla.
Stadium: Eddie C. Moore Complex
Georgia's Tournament Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 15
1 p.m. – vs. Wisconsin // Field 8
SEC Network: Tiffany Greene, Madison Shipman
Friday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. – vs. #6/8 Oklahoma State // Field 9
ESPNU: Mark Neely, Amanda Scarborough
4 p.m. - vs. #19/20 UCLA // Field 9
ESPN+: Mark Neely, Amanda Scarborough
Saturday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. - vs. #7/5 Florida State // Field 8
ESPN2: Tiffany Greene, Madison Shipman
4 p.m. - vs. Minnesota // Field 1
ESPN+: Tyler Denning, Jenny Dalton-Hill
Media Information
TV: ESPN networks
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
Twitter Updates: @UGAsoftball
The fourth-ranked Georgia softball team hits the road this week to take part in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield in Clearwater, Florida.
Georgia will take on top-25 teams in No. 6/8 Oklahoma State, No. 19/20 UCLA, and No. 7/5 Florida State as well as Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Follow the Bulldogs
» All games of the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield will air or stream live on the networks of ESPN. Georgia will appear on linear television against Wisconsin (SEC Network), Oklahoma State (ESPNU), and Florida State (ESPN2). Georgia's games against UCLA and Minnesota will stream live on ESPN+ via subscription.
» Live stat links can be found on the softball schedule page on GeorgiaDogs.com.
» Live Twitter updates will be available on the official Twitter page of Georgia softball, @UGAsoftball.
BULLDOGS BULLETIN
Series Histories
Wisconsin
- First meeting
Oklahoma State
- Georgia trails the all-time series 2-4
- The Bulldogs and Cowgirls last met in 2021 in Oklahoma City when OSU edged Georgia 3-2
- Previously, UGA and OSU met in the 2016 Athens Regional. OSU forced a winner-take-all game seven, but Georgia held on to shutout the Cowgirls and punch its ticket to the Super Regional round.
- Georgia is 1-3 against Oklahoma State on neutral fields
UCLA
- Georgia trails the all-time series 2-15
- The Bulldogs and Bruins last met in Clearwater in 2020; UCLA won 8-3
- Georgia last beat then-No. 5 UCLA in 2012 in the Cathedral City Classic, run-ruling the Bruins 13-4
- 12 of the 17 all-times meetings have been on a neutral field; Georgia is 1-11 against UCLA at neutral sites
Florida State
- Georgia trails the all-time series 8-11
- 11 of the 19 all-time meetings have come in the NCAA Tournament, more than any other team Georgia has played in the postseason, including the last eight-straight meetings dating back to 2010; the last regular season meeting was March 24, 2010 in Athens
- Georgia is 4-7 all-time against the Seminoles in the NCAA Tournament
- The Bulldogs dropped back-to-back games in Tallahassee in the Super Regional round of last season's NCAA Tournament
- Georgia is 1-3 against Florida State on neutral fields
- The Bulldogs last beat FSU in Oklahoma City on June 2, 2016, 5-4
Minnesota
- Georgia leads the all-time series 6-4
- The Bulldogs beat the Golden Gophers in a pair of games in Orlando on opening weekend in 2022
- Previously, Minnesota knocked the Bulldogs out of the 2019 NCAA Tournament in Minneapolis
- Georgia is 2-1 against Minnesota on neutral fields
Georgia in the Polls
Georgia in the Poll: Week 1
- USA Today/NFCA: 4
- ESPN/USA Softball: 4
- D1Softball: 5
- Softball America: 4
*highest NFCA and USA Softball rankings since Week 12 2011 (4)
Recapping Action
Georgia opened the 2024 season going 5-0 in the Red & Black Showcase in Athens last weekend. The Bulldogs beat Murray State and Purdue twice and shutout South Dakota. Georgia shined on all sides of the ball as the offense hit .310, scoring 28 runs, and knocking 10 homers. The pitching staff allowed just two runs in 33 innings, striking out 34 while the defense committed just two errors all weekend including turning four double plays.
A Look at What's Ahead
Georgia returns home to host No. 21/17 Virginia Tech, Redford, and Dartmouth next weekend in the 21st Annual Georgia Classic at Jack Turner Stadium. The nine-game tournament kicks off Friday, Feb. 23. Georgia then hosts No. 8/7 Clemson in the first midweek game of the season on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.
The Sydneys Shine on Opening Weekend
The duo of Sydney Kuma and Sydney Chambley opened the 2024 season with big performances at the plate. Kuma hit .750 (9-for-12), scoring six runs, hitting two home runs and a double while recording an .813 on-base percentage with a pair of walks. Chambley hit .500, knocking three home runs and driving in 10 while slugging 1.417 with four walks and a .625 on base clip. She hit two home runs against Purdue (2/10) then hit a grand slam the next day against the Boilermakers, the third grand slam of her career.
Pitching Staff Poised for Big 2024
Georgia's pitching staff allowed just two runs in 33 innings of work on opening weekend, holding opponents to a .162 batting average. The trio of Shelby Walters, Madison Kerpics, and Lilli Backes went 5-0 while striking out 30 hitters. Every pitcher on Georgia's staff appeared in the circle on opening weekend as Georgia started a different Bulldog in the circle each game.
Dogs Returning Big Numbers
Georgia returns all position players from last season's Super Regional team including All-Americans Jayda Kearney, Sydney Kuma, and Sara Mosley. The trio combined for 45 percent of Georgia's run production and accounted for 52 percent of Georgia's home runs. Each hit over .340 and slugged north of .700. In all, the Bulldogs return 96 percent of their home runs and 97 percent of their RBI from last season. In the circle, 90 percent of Georgia's total innings pitched return in 2024.
Bulldog Trio Named to USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List
Jayda Kearney, Sara Mosley, and Shelby Walters were named to the Top 50 Watch List for 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. The 2024 Top 50 Watch List highlights athletes from 28 universities and six athletic conferences with the SEC leading all conferences with 21 athletes.
Bulldogs Picked Second in SEC Poll
Georgia was picked to finish second in the SEC by the league's head coaches. The Bulldogs received six first-place votes en route to 136 points, one point shy of preseason favorite Tennessee (137 points, six first-place votes). Jayda Kearney, Sydney Kuma, Sara Mosley, and Shelby Walters were tabbed Preseason All-SEC.
at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield
Dates: Thursday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024
Georgia Opponents:
Wisconsin (4-1)
#6/8 Oklahoma State (5-0)
#19/20 UCLA (2-3)
#7/5 Florida State (4-1)
Minnesota (3-2)
Location: Clearwater, Fla.
Stadium: Eddie C. Moore Complex
Georgia's Tournament Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 15
1 p.m. – vs. Wisconsin // Field 8
SEC Network: Tiffany Greene, Madison Shipman
Friday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. – vs. #6/8 Oklahoma State // Field 9
ESPNU: Mark Neely, Amanda Scarborough
4 p.m. - vs. #19/20 UCLA // Field 9
ESPN+: Mark Neely, Amanda Scarborough
Saturday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. - vs. #7/5 Florida State // Field 8
ESPN2: Tiffany Greene, Madison Shipman
4 p.m. - vs. Minnesota // Field 1
ESPN+: Tyler Denning, Jenny Dalton-Hill
Media Information
TV: ESPN networks
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
Twitter Updates: @UGAsoftball
The fourth-ranked Georgia softball team hits the road this week to take part in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield in Clearwater, Florida.
Georgia will take on top-25 teams in No. 6/8 Oklahoma State, No. 19/20 UCLA, and No. 7/5 Florida State as well as Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Follow the Bulldogs
» All games of the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield will air or stream live on the networks of ESPN. Georgia will appear on linear television against Wisconsin (SEC Network), Oklahoma State (ESPNU), and Florida State (ESPN2). Georgia's games against UCLA and Minnesota will stream live on ESPN+ via subscription.
» Live stat links can be found on the softball schedule page on GeorgiaDogs.com.
» Live Twitter updates will be available on the official Twitter page of Georgia softball, @UGAsoftball.
BULLDOGS BULLETIN
Series Histories
Wisconsin
- First meeting
Oklahoma State
- Georgia trails the all-time series 2-4
- The Bulldogs and Cowgirls last met in 2021 in Oklahoma City when OSU edged Georgia 3-2
- Previously, UGA and OSU met in the 2016 Athens Regional. OSU forced a winner-take-all game seven, but Georgia held on to shutout the Cowgirls and punch its ticket to the Super Regional round.
- Georgia is 1-3 against Oklahoma State on neutral fields
UCLA
- Georgia trails the all-time series 2-15
- The Bulldogs and Bruins last met in Clearwater in 2020; UCLA won 8-3
- Georgia last beat then-No. 5 UCLA in 2012 in the Cathedral City Classic, run-ruling the Bruins 13-4
- 12 of the 17 all-times meetings have been on a neutral field; Georgia is 1-11 against UCLA at neutral sites
Florida State
- Georgia trails the all-time series 8-11
- 11 of the 19 all-time meetings have come in the NCAA Tournament, more than any other team Georgia has played in the postseason, including the last eight-straight meetings dating back to 2010; the last regular season meeting was March 24, 2010 in Athens
- Georgia is 4-7 all-time against the Seminoles in the NCAA Tournament
- The Bulldogs dropped back-to-back games in Tallahassee in the Super Regional round of last season's NCAA Tournament
- Georgia is 1-3 against Florida State on neutral fields
- The Bulldogs last beat FSU in Oklahoma City on June 2, 2016, 5-4
Minnesota
- Georgia leads the all-time series 6-4
- The Bulldogs beat the Golden Gophers in a pair of games in Orlando on opening weekend in 2022
- Previously, Minnesota knocked the Bulldogs out of the 2019 NCAA Tournament in Minneapolis
- Georgia is 2-1 against Minnesota on neutral fields
Georgia in the Polls
Georgia in the Poll: Week 1
- USA Today/NFCA: 4
- ESPN/USA Softball: 4
- D1Softball: 5
- Softball America: 4
*highest NFCA and USA Softball rankings since Week 12 2011 (4)
Recapping Action
Georgia opened the 2024 season going 5-0 in the Red & Black Showcase in Athens last weekend. The Bulldogs beat Murray State and Purdue twice and shutout South Dakota. Georgia shined on all sides of the ball as the offense hit .310, scoring 28 runs, and knocking 10 homers. The pitching staff allowed just two runs in 33 innings, striking out 34 while the defense committed just two errors all weekend including turning four double plays.
A Look at What's Ahead
Georgia returns home to host No. 21/17 Virginia Tech, Redford, and Dartmouth next weekend in the 21st Annual Georgia Classic at Jack Turner Stadium. The nine-game tournament kicks off Friday, Feb. 23. Georgia then hosts No. 8/7 Clemson in the first midweek game of the season on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.
The Sydneys Shine on Opening Weekend
The duo of Sydney Kuma and Sydney Chambley opened the 2024 season with big performances at the plate. Kuma hit .750 (9-for-12), scoring six runs, hitting two home runs and a double while recording an .813 on-base percentage with a pair of walks. Chambley hit .500, knocking three home runs and driving in 10 while slugging 1.417 with four walks and a .625 on base clip. She hit two home runs against Purdue (2/10) then hit a grand slam the next day against the Boilermakers, the third grand slam of her career.
Pitching Staff Poised for Big 2024
Georgia's pitching staff allowed just two runs in 33 innings of work on opening weekend, holding opponents to a .162 batting average. The trio of Shelby Walters, Madison Kerpics, and Lilli Backes went 5-0 while striking out 30 hitters. Every pitcher on Georgia's staff appeared in the circle on opening weekend as Georgia started a different Bulldog in the circle each game.
Dogs Returning Big Numbers
Georgia returns all position players from last season's Super Regional team including All-Americans Jayda Kearney, Sydney Kuma, and Sara Mosley. The trio combined for 45 percent of Georgia's run production and accounted for 52 percent of Georgia's home runs. Each hit over .340 and slugged north of .700. In all, the Bulldogs return 96 percent of their home runs and 97 percent of their RBI from last season. In the circle, 90 percent of Georgia's total innings pitched return in 2024.
Bulldog Trio Named to USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List
Jayda Kearney, Sara Mosley, and Shelby Walters were named to the Top 50 Watch List for 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. The 2024 Top 50 Watch List highlights athletes from 28 universities and six athletic conferences with the SEC leading all conferences with 21 athletes.
Bulldogs Picked Second in SEC Poll
Georgia was picked to finish second in the SEC by the league's head coaches. The Bulldogs received six first-place votes en route to 136 points, one point shy of preseason favorite Tennessee (137 points, six first-place votes). Jayda Kearney, Sydney Kuma, Sara Mosley, and Shelby Walters were tabbed Preseason All-SEC.
Players Mentioned
LHP
/ Softball
OF/1B
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
RHP
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
RHP
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