FORT MYERS, Fla. — The LIU softball team has landed in Fort Myers, Florida, to open its season — a road trip the Sharks have circled since their schedule was released. 

The Sharks faces UNC Greensboro and Southern Illinois on Friday, then plays Binghamton and two games against host Florida Gulf Coast the rest of the weekend.  

"It is always exciting to start our season in Florida," said Cameron Lyman, a fifth-year senior outfielder. "It is a change of weather and change of scenery. We are playing four different teams that we do not see during conference play. It is really exciting to be out in the sun, having fun and playing loose."  

Lyman, a standout for the Sharks, is gearing up for her final year of NCAA softball. The Chino Hills, Calif., native labels her final season bittersweet.   

"I have been playing softball since I was four years old, and it has been a long and bumpy ride," Lyman said. "I am grateful for the experience that I have had at LIU. I have met a lot of amazing people in this program."  

Lyman is one of seven seniors/graduate students on the roster, which was built by head coach Roy Kortmann and assistant coaches Andy Russo and Bill Gehrke.  

"Coach Roy, Andy and Bill are like three father figures that we have," said Lyman, who batted a team-leading .392 for the Sharks last season. "They really care about us and want us to get better on and off the field."   

Lyman, who is considered a team-first player by her teammates and coaches, said her journey as a student-athlete has been one to remember.

She's looking forward to making more memories this season.   

"What matters the most is the respect we all have for each other and for the game we love," Lyman said. "We have the urge to compete and play hard. That is what LIU softball is all about."