The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers To Play Inaugural Game At UAB Softball Field Tuesday
2/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 22, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB softball team will play its inaugural game at UAB Softball Field Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CT when they play host to No. 8 Alabama.
"The entire UAB softball family, which includes our athletes, coaches and alumni, is excited to be a part of this historic opening of the new on-campus facility," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said.
Tuesday's contest will mark the eighth meeting between the two teams. UAB opened Alabama's softball complex in 2000 and the Blazers are ready to have the Crimson Tide return the favor Tuesday.
The Crimson Tide enter tomorrow's game with a 7-2 record on the season. Last weekend, Alabama won the Hatter Invitational hosted by Stetson after defeating No. 14 Ohio State in the championship game, 7-1. Alabama's only losses this season have come at the hands of No. 5 Missouri.
Freshman infielder Kayla Braud led Alabama offensively last weekend, batting .615 in the tournament. Braud has slugged 11 hits and five RBI for the Crimson Tide this season and has posted an overall batting average of .524.
Sophomore Cassie Reilly-Boccia also has been an offensive force for the Crimson Tide, boasting a .955 slugging percentage with 13 hits, two home runs and five RBI on the season.
The Alabama pitching staff is led by freshman Lauren Sewell and junior Kelsi Dunne. Sewell (2-0) has a 0.54 ERA from the circle this season, throwing 17 strikeouts and only allowing one run. Dunne (3-2) has fanned 38 batters in 24 innings pitched, posting an ERA of 2.30.
The Blazers defeated South Alabama, 6-0, Sunday evening to improve to 5-3 on the season and conclude the South Alabama Invitational with a 3-1 record. UAB also picked up victories against Northwestern State and Nicholls State in Mobile.
"We're looking to build on the momentum from last weekend's success," Townsend said. "We've been practicing on the field for several weeks now, so we're ready to play our first game and we're excited to host Alabama."
Sophomore catcher Mandy Lowman slugged two home runs over the weekend to improve to five on the season. Lowman also recorded six RBI, two doubles and 1.182 slugging percentage.
Senior centerfielder Martina Landrum also had a strong weekend at the plate, belting seven hits including a double, triple and her first career home run.
In four appearances, junior pitcher Alisha Smith (2-2) has thrown a shutout against South Alabama, and retired 30 batters to post a 1.62 ERA.
"As our record from last weekend shows, we perform," Townsend said. "We're very fortunate with athletic ability on this team and we're looking forward to performing in front of all the people that have supported our program in its brief 11-year history."
The first pitch tomorrow is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT at UAB Softball Field. Gates open at 5 p.m. CT. Since a large crowd is anticipated, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and come early.
UAB Softball Field is located off 11th Street South, adjacent to UAB baseball's Young Memorial Field. For directions to UAB Softball Field and parking information please visit www.UABSports.com.
