The softball team has a quick turnaround following its 5-4 victory on April 21 over Pendleton Heights in the grand opening of its new Cherry Tree Softball Complex. On April 23 and 24, the Hounds will put their new facilities to good use as they play host to the annual Carmel Invitational.

The eight-team field consists of two pools, with the Hounds grouped with Munster, McCutcheon and West Lafayette in Pool A. Head Coach Emily Good said the invitational is stacked with talent this year as it has been in the past.

“They’re all competitive teams and we always look forward to this competition at this point in the season,” Good said. “Coming into it, we always want to make sure we’re playing to our level, our ability. These teams come in trying to win this tournament.”

Pitcher and sophomore Lauren Swenson has grown accustomed to winning this season as she currently boasts a spotless 5-0 record to open the year. She said she believes the team has what it takes to bring home its own trophy this weekend.

“We’d love to go in there and win the tournament. We’ve got to keep our offense and defense strong,” Swenson said. “We’re communicating really well. We’ve got to just keep doing what we’re doing.” By Andrew Browning <[email protected]>