ANDERSON, S.C.-The 2019 edition of Anderson University softball begins play on Saturday when it travels to Florida to play in the Flagler Classic.

The Black and Gold will open the two-day tournament on Saturday morning facing off with Ga. Southwestern (11am). The Trojans will then face Flagler for a 4 pm first pitch.

Day two features an 11 am matchup with Flagler with the day ending with a game against Lynn beginning at 1:30pm

Fourteenth-year head coach Tommy Hewitt's squad features 12 returning letterwinners, including three seniors and six newcomers.

Hewitt returns his pitching core, sophomores Harlie Duncan and Kayla Pepper, who combined for 26 wins in the circle a season ago. The Trojans have also added freshmen Anna Jackson to the staff.

Anderson returns both a speedy and a solid hitting team. The Trojans stole 58 bases last season with junior Meghan Majeski and senior Kasey Grant combining for 43 stolen bases.

Despite losing offensive power-hitter Cailah Niles, the Trojans return a core that hit a combined 42 doubles and 31 homeruns. Senior Joshlyn Martin led the team with a .397 average and 16 doubles while driving in 28 runs for the Black and Gold. Senior Breanna Hagerty batted .319 with 10 homeruns and five doubles with junior Mattie Hamilton pushing across 38 runs while ripping 10 homeruns and nine doubles.

Returners Mackenzie Haver, Kennedy Burton, Abigail Webb, Mattison Cantrell and Khloe Saunders will all play vital roles in the success of the upcoming season.

Hewitt not only has high expectations of his entire roster but of his newcomers, Josie NesSmith, Gracie Williams, Sydney Belcher, Morgan Charter and Kayson Boatner.

Anderson will open up its 2019 home slate on Wednesday, Feb. 6 against nonconference foe North Greenville. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 5 pm.