BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – No. 3 Jacksonville State is set to open up the Conference USA softball Championship this week with a noon first pitch against No. 6 Sam Houston on Wednesday. The Gamecocks swept Sam Houston earlier this season in Jacksonville.
No. 3 Jax State vs No. 6 Sam Houston
Noon
Bowling Green, Ky.
Live Stats
ESPN+
The Stage is Set
No. 3 Jax State will square off with No. 6 Sam Houston in the opening round of the Conference USA Championship on Wednesday. The winner will face WKU on Thursday at noon while the loser will play later on Wednesday.
Three Gamecocks Take All-Conference
Emma Elrod earned First Team All-CUSA honors on Tuesday while both
Kailey Martin and
Kat Carter were named to the Second Team. The trio have all served as key pieces for the Gamecocks this season,
Fresh on the Scene
A trio of Jax State freshman took home Conference USA All-Freshman team honors, including
Kailey Martin,
Jaci Underwood and
Haleigh Cushingberry. Both Martin and Underwood have started all 54 games this season.
Elrod in the Ranks
Jax State sophomore
Emma Elrod doesn't just rank towards the top of CUSA in several offensive categories, but the NCAA as well. Elrod ranks 18th in total hits, 15th in doubles, and 19th in all of NCAA Division I Softball this season in total bases.
Quick Improvements
In the first season under new head coach
Julie Boland, Jax State has already improved upon its 2024 win total. The Gamecocks finished their first season in Conference USA last year with a 23-30 record and have already surpassed that win total in 2025. Jax State reached the 24-win mark this season with just 15 losses.
Well Rounded Ballclub
Jax State sits towards the top of Conference USA in several categories at both the plate and the circle. The Gamecocks 322 runs are the second most in CUSA while also holding the lead in doubles (91) and walks (206). In the circle, Jax State has posted the second-best ERA (2.91) and the third most strikeouts (260).
Hot Rod
Jax State sophomore
Emma Elrod has continued an offensive tear the entirety of 2025, leading Jax State in most offensive categories through 54 games so far this season. Elrod leads Jax State in hits (72), doubles (17), batting average (.385), runs (51) and slugging percentage (.695).
Captain Carter
Boasting a team-best 2.56 ERA,
Kat Carter has been the premier pitcher for Jax State this season. The senior has tossed 128.1 innings with 11 wins and three saves in 31 appearances. Of her 21 starts, Carter has tossed 13 complete games including four complete game shutouts.
