2023 Furman Softball Schedule
 
Greenville, S.C. – Furman softball will play 20 home games at Pepsi Stadium in 2023, including a Valentine's Day clash with nationally-ranked Clemson and the five-team Furman Invitational in late February, it was announced on Friday by Paladin head coach Stacey Johnson-Whitfield.
 
The 2023 campaign kicks off February 10-12 with five games at the River City Leadoff in Jacksonville, Fla., before the Paladins entertain Clemson for the first time at Pepsi Stadium in the home opener on February 14. Bellarmine, Binghamton, Sacred Heart and Towson travel to Greenville for the 2023 Furman Invitational February 17-19. Following a midweek doubleheader at Gardner-Webb, Furman will take part in South Alabama's tournament in Mobile, Ala., February 24-26, and at the Campbell Invitational March 3-5.
 
"Once again we are starting the season by really challenging the team and preparing them for SoCon play," said Johnson-Whitfield, who is beginning her second season leading the Paladin program. "We are taking on a few more away tournaments early that should allow us to figure out our starting 10. We also look forward to seeing how our six new additions will help our team compete in every game this year."
 
The back half of Furman's schedule promises to present just as big of a challenge as the Paladins make midweek road trips to Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina (DH), and North Carolina. All told, the Paladins will play eight games against ACC and SEC foes this year. The non-conference slate also features home twinbills versus Charleston Southern, USC Upstate, and Queens as well as trips to Presbyterian and College of Charleston. 
 
Furman's 18-game Southern Conference schedule will be highlighted by three-game series at Pepsi Stadium against perennial league powers UNC Greensboro, Mercer, and Chattanooga.
 
The 2023 double elimination SoCon Softball Championship is set for May 10-13 at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.
 
The Paladins return six of eight position starters and their top pitcher from a 2022 squad that posted a 22-33 overall record and finished fourth in the SoCon with an 8-10 league mark. Coach Johnson-Whitfield's first team notched victories over Mississippi State, who they will face twice this season, and SoCon regular season champion UNCG.
 
Furman's list of returning starters is highlighted by first team All-SoCon catcher Riley Ludlam and second team all-league selections in pitcher Sierra Tufts and centerfielder Ashlee Lykins.