EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana softball team opens the 2006 schedule Friday at the University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Chillout. The Screaming Eagles were originally slated to open the season last weekend, but the expectation of poor weather conditions forced the cancellation of the University of Central Arkansas Spring Clash.

USI, which was 30-20 overall last season, starts the UAH Charger Chillout with the University of West Georgia at 10 a.m. before playing Delta State University at noon and the University of West Florida at 4 p.m. The Eagles close the weekend Saturday when they take on No. 4-ranked Alabama-Huntsville at 10 a.m. and No. 12-ranked Emporia State University at noon.

The Eagles are looking to a strong pitching staff to lead the Eagles this weekend. Seniors Missy Grover (Mishawaka, Indiana) and Lindsey McNaughton (Carmel, Indiana) combined for 28 of USI's 30 victories last season. Grover earned All-GLVC honors in 2005, while McNaughton earned All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors at Hillsdale College in 2004 before transferring to USI last year.

USI will be without junior All-GLVC and All-Region catcher Lisa Anderson (Chesterton, Indiana). Anderson suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice last week.

Senior first baseman/catcher Angie Davis (Greenwood, Indiana) will pick up most of the catching duties in 2006. Davis, who played at first base as a junior in 2005, was a catcher at Wabash Valley Junior College prior to transferring to USI last season.

Following the UAH Charger Chillout, the Eagles play Kentucky Wesleyan College in a non-conference doubleheader March 1 in Owensboro, Kentucky.