CLINTON, Iowa - Just as the wintery weather fades out of the picture in the Midwest, the Ashford University baseball and softball teams are hoping to catch some sunshine during the next week in Ormond Beach and Kissimmee, Fla.

The preseason is already in full swing for baseball, already with six games under its belt, while softball debuts its new campaign on Saturday.

The schools might seem a bit random with teams from Ohio, Missouri, West Virginia, Michigan and Massachusetts, convening, but the respective Saints' coaching staffs have their sights set on putting Ashford on the map.

"This is an exciting opportunity to play some top-notch teams from around the country," AU baseball Head Coach John Govek said. "We're hoping to display our potential on offense and defense and continue to work towards getting ready for conference play."

"Our players are ready to hit the field," added AU softball skipper Kyle Yore. "It's time to see what the offseason training and preparation will amount to. We're excited to start fresh and have a great week at the Rebel Games."

One of the one common denominators for baseball is a Sunday, March 14, date with William Woods University. The Saints opened the 2009 season against the Owls.

The Saints recently picked up their first win of the year at Doane College (Neb.) during a four-game roadtrip after beginning the season with a doubleheader against Culver-Stockton College (Mo.).

On the docket for Govek's squad in the week includes six, nine-inning games and doubleheader matchups against West Virginia Institute of Technology, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio) and University of Rio Grande (Ohio) to close the trip.

Junior outfielder Austin Poindexter of Bettendorf leads the team early on with team-highs in hits (seven) and batting average (.368). Sophomore pitcher Lucas Beese (1-0, 1.80 ERA) of Middleton, Wis., was credited with the Saints' win at Doane.

Yore and the Saints will play none other than the Saints in their season opener slated for Saturday against University of St. Francis (Ill.). All of Ashford's games are single, seven-inning contests with Trinity Christian College being the only repeat opponent (March 15/18).

Stats and recaps will be available following the conclusion of the each day's events.