JACKSONVILLE – Head coach Jana McGinnis and her Gamecocks host Queens University for a pivotal three-game series beginning Saturday at University Field.
 
The Gamecocks (24-12, 10-2 ASUN) sit in second-place in the league standings at the halfway mark of the season after dropping their last two outings at Stetson last weekend. The Royals (17-15) own a 7-5 conference mark for fifth-place in their inaugural season in the ASUN.
 
Although coming off a 9-6 home loss to Georgia Tech earlier in the week, Jax State has been excellent at home this season including a 6-0 mark against league foes. Through 12 games, JSU's pitching staff has been solid since the start of conference action with a 2.16 combined ERA. Starters Jaliyah Holmes (1.71) and Sarah Currie (1.75) have carried the bulk of the load with 47 of JSU's 53 strikeouts.
 
While always important, pitching could be especially significant this weekend versus a program that has not been limited offensively as of late. Through its first dozen ASUN games, Queens has scored three or more runs only twice. Still, the Royals have been efficient with the offense they have received winning five league games with two-or-fewer runs thanks in part to reigning ASUN pitcher of the week, Autumn Courtney.
 
The Gamecocks meanwhile, have largely found success offensively this season led by junior Lindsey Richardson, senior Holly Stewart and freshman Linley Tubbs. Tuesday's setback to Georgia Tech was just JSU's second loss of the year when scoring at least three runs.
 
Junior Emma Jones, riding a team-best 12-game on-base streak, will set the program's Division I record for stolen bases with her next swipe. The speedster from nearby Anniston, Ala., is top three for the Gamecocks in hits, walks, runs scored and total bases as she wreaks havoc on the base paths for opposing pitchers.
 
Saturday's doubleheader action begins at 1 p.m. and streams live on ESPN+. Admission to University Field is free all season courtesy of our friends at Martin's Family Clothing.
 
The series wraps up Sunday, but not before a special pregame celebration for McGinnis takes place at the field prior to first pitch. Following her historic 1,000th victory last month, the JSU community and softball alumni alike will hold a special pregame ceremony set to start at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. First pitch will follow at 1:00 for the finale of the three-game weekend.