The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Softball Opens Conference Play On Saturday
3/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 6, 2009
Gametracker - Game 1 • Gametracker - Game 2 • Gametracker - Game 3
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB softball team will begin its Conference USA schedule on Saturday as Southern Miss comes to town for a three-game series.
"We are excited about opening up our conference schedule at home," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. "Our tough non-conference schedule has prepared us for conference play."
The contest marks the 31st meeting between the Blazers (6-9) and the Golden Eagles (9-11-1). Southern Miss holds the all-time advantage, 21-9, including winning two of the three games played last season. Both teams enter the contest having lost their last game to ranked opponents. UAB dropped a game to No. 1/4 Alabama, 8-1, and Southern Miss lost to No. 14/18 Louisiana-Lafayette.
The last UAB victory came a year ago as the Blazers won the second game of the doubleheader, 3-0 in Hattiesburg. Senior Kayla Harris tossed a one-hit shutout to defeat Southern Miss.
"Southern Miss is a much-improved team," said Townsend. "They are swinging the bats well. It's going to be a good game."
UAB is paced by Martina Landrum at the plate. The junior centerfielder is hitting .447 and leads the Blazers in several offensive categories, including (14), hits (21), stolen bases (11-for-11) and on base percentage (.527). Her 11 stolen bases lead the league and her batting average and on base percentage is ranked second and third, respectively, in C-USA.
For Southern Miss, Megan Hill is hitting .429 with nine doubles and 20 RBI through 21 games. Her sister, Courtney Hill, is batting .371 with four triples and 14 RBI. The duo has combined for 13 steals in 14 attempts.
Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. CT at George Ward Park. Sunday's single game begins at 1 p.m. CT.
