Jacksonville, AL- The Jax State Softball team returns home to welcome the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech this weekend at Jana McGinnis Field, with the series opener set for Friday at 6 p.m.
The Gamecocks (20-9) have won seven of their last ten games, and outscoring opponents 43-10 in those seven victories. Coming off a midweek loss at Auburn, Jax State looks to shift their focus back to Conference USA play where they sit atop with a 5-1 record.
Jacksonville State's success this season has been secured by its pitching staff, which has allowed three runs or fewer in 15 of their 29 games, including seven shutouts, 12th in the NCAA. Senior Jaliyah Holmes sits with a 3.02 era across 53.1 innings pitched, while reigning CUSA Freshman of the Week Makenna Moore has tossed 61.1 innings with a 3.08 ERA. Fellow freshman Yulai Woodruff has been reliable in relief out of the bullpen, posting 2.78 era in 22.2 innings of work.
Offensively, redshirt senior Morgan Nowakowski of Huntsville, Ala. leads the Gamecocks in batting average (.382), on base percentage (.491), and hits (34). While sophomore Kailey Martin has been equally impressive batting .356 with 32 hits, while leading the team in home runs (4) and RBI's (26)
LA Tech enters the series 17-11 overall and 3-3 in CUSA. The Gamecocks look to take advantage of the Bulldogs' 2-5 road record as Jacksonville State owns a 9-1 record at Jana McGinnis Field this season.
Friday's contest is a Mental Health Matters game, with players wearing green in support of mental health awareness. The series continues Saturday at 1 p.m. and concludes Sunday at 11 a.m.
Fans can follow this weekend's action on ESPN+, online with live stats, and as always Jana McGinnis field has free admission throughout the season thanks to Martin's Family Clothing.
