March 11, 2008

EASTON, Pa. - When the Lafayette softball team opens the season at home it will benefit from $270,000 in upgrades to Metzgar Fields. The Leopards host Drexel on March 25 for a doubleheader at 3 p.m.

The softball field renovation will continue through the winter months in order to be complete prior to the team's homecoming at the end of March.

Lafayette softball fans will benefit from the installation of permanent elevated seating for 211, including 53 chairback seats and accommodation for wheelchairs. There is an enclosed eight-foot by 18-foot press box and a new netted backstop behind home plate.

The first phase of construction completed prior to the 2007 season saw the infield completely resurfaced and a warning track surrounding the outfield put in place. There was an enclosed fence bordering both foul lines and a permanent eight-foot fence in the outfield installed. The bullpens were also renovated, but the most evident improvement was the inning-by-inning LED scoreboard installed beyond the left field fence.

Prior to the season opener on March 25, Gunther and the Lafayette (1-4) softball team will play eight games in four days at the Rebel Spring Games over spring break.