DAHLONEGA — The University of North Georgia softball team will play seven exhibition contests on four dates this fall according to the schedule announced by head coach Mike Davenport on Thursday. The Nighthawks will play three games against two prominent NCAA Division I programs in Auburn and Florida State.
North Georgia returns to the field for their first action since winning the school's first-ever national championship in Oklahoma City this past May. The Nighthawks return seven starters and will feature a dynamic set of newcomers.
The fall schedule will kickoff on Sept. 27 at Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium with Gordon College making a trip to the UNG campus for a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. On the following Friday, Oct. 2, North Georgia will play host to Georgia Highlands for a twin bill scheduled for a 4 p.m., start.
The second half of the fall slate starts on the road with a trip to the Plains, as the Nighthawks will take on Auburn in a doubleheader at Jane B. Moore Field on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. The Tigers are coming off their most successful year in school history making their first trip to the Women's College World Series, advancing to the semifinals before falling to the eventual DI national champion, Florida.
UNG will hold an intrasquad "Black & Blue" game on Sunday, Oct. 18 during Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days Festival weekend. First pitch for the game is scheduled for noon at Hill Stadium.
The Nighthawks will wrap up the fall slate with a 10-inning game against Florida State on Oct. 25. The Seminoles, who fell just one win short of making their second consecutive trip to the WCWS, will travel to Dahlonega for a noon start. The Florida State game will mark the first time a Division I team has taken on UNG at the friendly confines of Hill Stadium.
Admission to all fall games at Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium is free. Admission will also be free to the doubleheader at Auburn.
