Offense will be the key for the Owls as they head into their Atlantic 10 Conference season opener against Rhode Island on Friday.

Temple goes up against a URI squad that lacks a big play threat (no hitter ranks in the Top 10 in the conference) and is one of the worst defenders in the A-10. The team has allowed a .228 hitting percentage (10th in the conference) while only hitting .159 (ninth in the conference).

But coach Bakeer Ganes expects a battle in their first conference match of the year at McGonigle Hall.

“I know [coach Bob Schneck’s] team is going to be very well coached, very well organized, and it’s going to be a battle,” Ganes said.

The Owls will be looking to improve to 11-4 on the year. The match begins at 7 p.m.

–Jake Adams