WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Softball will play 33 regular season games throughout a 2023 season filled with doubleheaders.

The Eagles will begin the year at home with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter State College on Feb. 2. Polk State hits the road for the first time a week later as it visits Daytona State College for a doubleheader on Feb. 9.

Suncoast Conference play will begin for Polk State on March 14 as it visits St. Petersburg College for a doubleheader. The Eagles will play each of its Suncoast Conference foes – St. Petersburg, Hillsborough Community College, and State College of Florida-Manatee – each five times.

Only six of Polk State's first 18 games will come at home, but the Eagles will begin an eight-game homestand on March 16 against Florida State College-Jacksonville for a doubleheader in what will be their final non-conference games of the year. Polk State's first home conference games will come against Hillsborough in a March 21 doubleheader.

The Eagles will celebrate Sophomore Night on April 4 as they host St. Petersburg for a doubleheader in what will be their final home games of the season. Polk State will play its final seven games on the road. The regular season concludes on April 23 against State College of Florida-Manatee.

Polk State finished 14-28 in 2022 -- the fifth and final season under Head Coach Donna Byars. The Eagles nearly tripled their win total from the year before and will look to make more progress under first-year Head Coach Mark Skapin.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it," Skapin said. "There are a lot of talented teams in this state and we're confident that over time, we will be able to compete for NJCAA regional championships. Everyone is excited to get back on the diamond in January and get to work." 

Click here to view Polk State's complete 2023 softball schedule.