Baseball | 2/25/2010 9:43:03 AM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist University baseball team has been in full swing over the last few weeks playing to a 6-3 record thus far. This weekend, the Monarchs will open USA South Athletic Conference play when they host Christopher Newport University.

Methodist is scheduled to take on the Captains Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the first of six conference series this season. Last month, the USA South announced the 2010 preseason poll with Shenandoah picked to finish at the top of the league. Methodist was picked second while Christopher Newport has been selected fourth.

The Monarchs opened this season with a two-game sweep over LaGrange before splitting two games with Bridgewater. Methodist bounced back from their first loss with a 3-2 win in 10 innings over the Old Dominion Athletic Conference's top pick, Lynchburg College. This past weekend, the Monarchs went 2-2 in their own Methodist/Diamond Invitational earning wins over Farmingdale State and Roanoke.

After recent additions to the press box at Methodist's Armstrong-Shelley Field, the Monarchs will have live stats available during home games for fans to follow along at home. Be sure to check the official Methodist University Monarchs web site for updated links throughout the season.