ROCHESTER, Mich. - The reigning Horizon League regular season champs officially begin their road back to the League Championship Game on Friday, Feb. 23 as they open their season at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C.

The Golden Grizzlies will play five games in three days, starting with a matchup against the Princeton Tigers at 10 a.m. on Feb. 23. Reigning #HLSB Pitcher of the Year Sydney Campbell will get the nod as she pitches in the opener, aiming to defend her crown in the circle.

Oakland will get a quick breather before turning around and playing their second game of the day as they take on the host of the season opening classic, Charleston, at 3 p.m. on the 23rd.

The Golden Grizzlies will head back onto the diamond bright and early on Saturday for day two of the Cougar Classic, gearing up for a showdown against South Carolina State at 10 a.m. and part two of their showdown with Charleston as they face the Cougars for a second time at 3 p.m.

To round out their weekend the Golden Grizzlies welcome a matchup with the Princeton Tigers once more for their final game of the tournament at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25.

Ranking tied for first in the #HLSB Preseason Poll, Oakland has 14 players from last year's roster returning, retaining almost an identical team from their Horizon League Championship runner-up season. They also added six new faces, four freshman and two players via the transfer portal.

 With a roster bolstered for another Championship run, the Golden Grizzlies are primed for a special season.

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