Weekly Release

The University of Nebraska at Omaha softball team will head to Joplin, Mo, this weeked to take part in the 2009 Teri (Mathis) Zenner Memorial Tournament.  The Mavericks will open the weekend facing Northwest Missouri State on Friday, at 9 a.m, Drury University at 11 a.m., and will close out the day against Oklahoma City at 3 p.m.  On Saturday the Mavs will face Cameron at 11 a.m. and Fort Hays State at 1 p.m.

The Records
The Mavericks won their only game over the weekend putting them at 5-2 for the season.  Intially the Mavs were scheduled to play five games over three days but due to inclement weather, only Friday's game was played.  #Kristin Wellwood# had a two-run home run to help the Mavericks beat Oklahoma Panhandle State 9-1.  #Beth Haley# pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and improved her record to 3-0.

The Coaches
#Jeanne Scarpello# is in her tenth season as the UNO head coach.  She entered the 2009 season just three wins shy of reaching 400 wins for her career. She reached that milestone in just the fourth game of the season when the Mavs defeated Saint Edward's on February 21.  Her record now stands at 402-124-1 including four conference titles, nine straight trips to the NCAA Division II tournament, and a national championship in 2001.  She is assisted by Michala Cimino (12th season), #Cory Petermann# (9th season), and Steven Boulton (1st season).

The Series
The Mavs lead the series against its first opponent of the weekend, Northwest Missouri State, 39-15.  UNO will face Drury for just the second time.  The Mavs won the first meeting 13-3.  The Mavs trail their series with Oklahoma City, 6-3.  On Saturday the Mavs will try to remain undeafeted against Cameron in the second meeting between the schools.  They will meet Fort Hays State for the first time in the final game on Sunday.

Pre-Season Poll
The Mavericks were picked to finish first in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association according to a pre-season poll of the league's coaches.  UNO received 94 points and four first place votes in the voting, tying Emporia State which also received 94 points and had five first place votes.

Coming Up
UNO will renew its rivarly with former NCC foe Augustana (S.D.) on March 10 in a pair of games at Claussen-Wesgate Field starting at 2 p.m.   The Mavericks will then hit the road following their first home game of the season to take part in the AAUW Softball Showdown in Emporia, Kan.  The Mavs will play two games on March 13 squaring off against Southwestern Oklahoma State at 12 p.m., and Southwest Baptist at 2:30 p.m.  On March 14, UNO will face Tarleton State at 1:30 p.m., and then take on Washburn at 4 p.m.  The weekend will end in a showdown with Augustana (S.D.) at 10:00 a.m on March 15.