LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of South Alabama softball team, along with 13 of the nation's top programs will compete in the 2020 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic held at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla. During the opening weekend of play (Feb. 7-9). Baylor, Kentucky, Illinois, Mississippi State and Texas State will also have exhibition contests versus Team USA.

"The Leadoff Classic has always been one of the more prestigious tournaments and we are excited to be included in the list of teams this year," South Alabama head coach Becky Clark said. "It gives us an opportunity to play some of the top teams in the country and test ourselves opening weekend. It lines up to be a great weekend of softball especially when you consider the U.S. National Team will be playing as well as they prepare for the 2020 Olympics."

The Jaguars will open up tournament play with a familiar foe as they are scheduled to take on fellow Sun Belt Conference member Texas State on Fri., Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. (CT). USA will then face Missouri at 4 p.m. (CT) later that day.

Two more contests await South on day two of the tourney as it will take on Minnesota at 2 p.m. (CT) and Illinois at 4:30 p.m. (CT). South Alabama will face Notre Dame on Sun., Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. (CT).

The meetings between Missouri and Notre Dame will mark the first time South has faced the two programs, while USA last faced Minnesota at the 2018 Diamond 9 Citrus I Classic in Kissimmee, Fla. The meeting with the Illini will mark third-straight season the two clubs have faced each other.

The Golden Gophers finished the 2019 season ranked eighth and advanced to the College World Series last season, while Notre Dame, Illinois and Missouri each earned NCAA Regional berths.

South Alabama Schedule at the 2020 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
Feb. 7 – vs. Texas State – 11 a.m. (CT)
Feb. 7 – vs. Missouri – 4 p.m. (CT)

Feb. 8 – vs. Minnesota – 2 p.m. (CT)
Feb. 8 – vs. Illinois – 4:30 p.m. (CT)

Feb. 9 – vs. Notre Dame – 11 a.m. (CT)

2020 NFCA Lead-Off Classic Field
Auburn
Baylor
Kentucky
Liberty
Louisville
Minnesota
Mississippi State
Missouri
Missouri State
NC State
Notre Dame
Ole Miss
SOUTH ALABAMA
Texas State
*USA National Team

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Bullpen Club, the softball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund.  Members have access to purchase parking passes and receive Jaguar Softball gear.  All donations to the Bullpen Club go directly to support the South Alabama softball program.  For more information on how you can join visit:  jaguarathleticfund.com/bullpenclub.

—USA—