The Hokies softball team travels to Tampa this week trying to continue their hot start.

Over the weekend, the Hokies are scheduled to play two games against both Texas State and Georgia State and a single game against University of South Florida. It looks like the USF game (Friday) will be broadcast on the USF Bullsvision network, so Hokie fans will be able to watch the Hokies for the first time this season.

Here’s some brief notes on this weekend's opponents:

USF: The Bulls are a misleading 4-6 on the year as they have played a challenging schedule. Their losses are to #7/6 Arizona (4-1), #19/14 Michigan (10-1), #5 Florida (7-1), #7/8 Alabama (2-0), Cal State Fullerton (5-4), and NC State (2-1). They have a good win over #9 Arizona (4-1).

The Bulls are hitting .198 as a team (versus opponents’ .234), with 23 runs scored (vs. opponents 38). They are led by Sophomore Bethany Keen (.393, has hit 2 of the 3 Bulls’ HRs) and Macy Cook (.321).

In the circle, the Bulls are led by Georgina Corrick, the AAC Pitcher of the Week, who tossed 16.2 innings total last weekend including a complete game win over No. 9/9 Arizona on Friday. She struck out 18 total batters and went 3-0 in the circle, allowing five runs (three earned) and 12 hits. Last weekend was no fluke as she was the AAC Co-Pitcher of the year last season as a freshman. She is backed by senior Nicole Doyle has started 6 games with a 3.95 ERA with 25 Ks in 33 innings.

Texas State: The Bobcats, defending Sunbelt Regular Season and Tournament Champions, have started this season off with a 5-5 record. They have wins over Colorado State, North Dakota State, San Jose State, and two wins over Montana, with losses to Texas San Antonia, North Dakota State, New Mexico State, Bradley, and Sam Houston State.

The Bobcats swing the bats well, with a .312 Team Batting Average (versus opponents .269) with 68 runs scored (vs. opponents’ 45). They are led by leadoff hitter Christina McDowell, who is hitting at a blistering .516 pace with 13 runs scored and Hailey MacKay who is hitting .419

In the circle, the Bobcats are led by Dailah Barrah (3-0, 2.94 ERA) and Meagan King (2-4, 3.64 ERA)

Georgia State: The Panthers have gotten off to a rocky 1-9 start, with their only win coming versus Eastern Illinois. However, several of their losses are to quality teams, such a #1/2 UCLA, Fresno State, DePaul, and Georgia Tech. They were picked to finish 5th in the preseason Sun Belt Conference. They are a young team, with only 5 seniors and 10 freshmen.

Their stats match their record (or perhaps their stats is the reason for the record). The Panthers’ team batting average is just .236 (compared to their opponents .329) and they have been outscored 70-25. Their team ERA is 6.65. Their leading hitters are Baylee Sexton (.387) and Caitlin Ray (.321).

Here’s hoping the Hokies Express keeps rolling.