Youngstown, OH-The Cleveland State softball team is set to open Horizon League play on Thursday as the Vikings travel to Youngstown State for a three-game series. The game times have been adjusted due to weather with the first game scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch Thursday and a doubleheader scheduled for Friday starting at 3:00 p.m.
 
The series with the Penguins kicks off a 24-game league schedule with a three-game series against eight league opponents. Cleveland State wrapped up non-conference play this past weekend with a 2-2 split at the Racer Invitational hosted by Murray State.
 
The Vikings return to a familiar spot to start league play. The YSU Softball Complex served as the host for last year's Horizon League Tournament where Cleveland State won the tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Cleveland State looks to defend its tournament title coming up at the end of this season.
 
Brooke Albaugh leads the offensive attack for the Vikings headed into this weekend's action. Albaugh wrapped up non-conference play with a .373 average and 19 total hits, with four going for extra bases. Emma Gilkerson and Peyton Mueller Stenz lead the team in RBI with seven runs driven in apiece in the first 17 games.
 
Live stats will be available for all three games, with the doubleheader on Friday set to be broadcast live on ESPN+.