GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Saturday's softball doubleheader between Tusculum and North Greenville has been postponed due to the passing of NGU head softball coach Buster Sturkie, announced Pioneer head coach Fred Gillum.

Sturkie passed away early Tuesday morning announced NGU officials. Coach Sturkie had been battling cancer since last season, but kept all his duties as head softball coach. He conducted every practice and was in the dugout for the all nine of the Crusaders' games this season.

"Tusculum College wishes to express our condolences to Coach Sturkie's family and everyone at North Greenville for their loss," said Gillum. "Buster was a tough competitor who always had his teams ready to play. He will be greatly missed in the softball community."

Coach Sturkie's funeral has been scheduled for Saturday.

The Pioneers (5-9) return to action on Sunday when they host the University of Virginia's College at Wise for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Red Edmonds Field.