CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s softball team will host North Alabama in its first home series of the Atlantic Sun Conference season this Saturday and Sunday at Cathi Maynard Park. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday, followed by a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Austin Peay enters the series with an 18-11 overall record and a 1-2 mark in ASUN play, following a 9-6 midweek win against Tennessee Tech. The Governors split their previous four games after going 1-2 at Eastern Kentucky.
Power at the Plate
The Governors are currently leading the ASUN Conference and rank 11th nationally with 47 home runs this season. Brie Howard leads the team with 13 home runs, ranking 10th in the NCAA. Katie Raper has 11 home runs, ranking third in the ASUN and 20th nationally.
Emilee Baker leads the Governors with 42 hits, and Sammie Shelander has eight doubles, ranking fourth in the league.
Pitching Prowess
Alanah Jones leads the Governors in the circle with 11 wins, six complete games, 84.0 innings pitched, and a 2.75 ERA. Cameron Grayson has five wins and 50.1 innings pitched, tied with Jones for the team-best mark in starts with 12.
The Governors and North Alabama have split their last eight meetings, with neither team securing consecutive wins in the past two seasons. Last year, Austin Peay won two of three games against the Lions, including a 6-4, nine-inning victory and an 8-4 win in the series finale.
North Alabama enters the series with a 19-6 overall record and a 2-1 ASUN record, coming off a series win against Central Arkansas. The Lions lead the ASUN with 6.16 RBI per game, boasting two players – Holly Merritt and Briley Dover – ranked in the top five in the league in RBI per game.
Following the series against North Alabama, the Governors will embark on a four-game road stretch, beginning with a game at Murray State on Wednesday and continuing with a series at Central Arkansas on March 27-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Austin Peay’s record?
Austin Peay’s record is 18-11 overall and 1-2 in the ASUN Conference.
Who leads Austin Peay in home runs?
Brie Howard leads the Governors with 13 home runs.
What is North Alabama’s record?
North Alabama’s record is 19-6 overall and 2-1 in the ASUN Conference.
What impact will the Governors’ performance in this series have on their standing in the ASUN Conference?