JSU carries unblemished ASUN mark into North Florida series

Saturday, April 1

JACKSONVILLE

1 p.m.

Jacksonville State University

North Florida

3/31/2023 4:10:00 PM | Softball

Jax State Notes

JACKSONVILLE – Riding a nine-game winning streak and a 6-0 start in ASUN Conference competition, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks return to University Field this weekend for a three-game series versus North Florida.

The Gamecocks (20-9, 6-0 ASUN) and Ospreys (19-12, 2-4 ASUN) open the three-game set Saturday afternoon with a scheduled doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. The two sides will conclude the weekend series with a single game on Sunday.

Jax State enters fresh off a 3-1 victory over Georgia State Wednesday evening, where the Gamecocks came from behind for just the fifth time this season. Freshman Jaliyah Holmes tossed another seven-inning victory running her season tally to 9-3 in the circle. Along with Holmes, JSU's pitching depth throughout the weekend will include sophomore Sarah Currie, who is yet to give up a run in league play through two starts, and sophomore Kat Carter, who threw a seven-inning win over North Alabama in her previous start at home.

A strong pitching rotation, aided by relievers Hannah Brown and Jordan Eslinger, has paved the way for early success by keeping opposing lineups in check. Backing up that staff on the offensive side of things is a quartet of Gamecocks hitting .300 or better led by junior Lindsey Richardson's .385 clip. Along with Richardson, home run leader Linley Tubbs and senior Holly Stewart have provided plenty of pop to guide frequent baserunners Emma Jones, Morgan Nowakowski and Sidney Wagnon home throughout the year. Offensive runs have gone a long way behind JSU's efficient pitching staff as the Gamecocks are 19-1 when scoring at least three runs so far this season.

All games this weekend will stream on ESPN+ with Patrick Williams carrying the play-by-play action. Live stats are also available at JSUGamecockSports.com. For fans joining the team at University Field, admission is free to all JSU home softball games compliments of our friends at Martin's Family Clothing. On Saturday, JSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host a canned-food driving benefitting the Gamecock Market, JSU's on-campus food bank. Items requested at the moment include: ravioli, peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables, deodorant and shampoo/conditioner. More information about the Gamecock Market can be found HERE.

JSU leads the all-time series with the Ospreys, 4-2, since the first meeting in 2010. The Gamecocks took two out of three from UNF at University Field last season in conference matchups.