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GAME NOTES (PDF) | SAU | HSU

Leading Off
The Southern Arkansas softball team is back in the friendly confines of Columbia County where they will put their perfect 14-0 home record on the line as they welcome in reigning GAC Regular Season Champion Henderson State for a pivotal four-game set beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, March 25. Last weekend, weather claimed a singe game in the road series with Ouachita, but SAU produced a Saturday sweeping that included a trio of wins and a 24 run differential over the Tigers. The Lady Muleriders are 23-2 overall this season and 15-2 in league play, currently sit in second-place in the conference standings and are receiving votes in the NFCA Coach's Poll for the first time in 2016.

This weekend, the Lady Muleriders enter into their toughest part of the schedule beginning with the Henderson State Reddies (17-15, 8-12 GAC), who are currently seventh in the conference standings. HSU enters the series on a five-game winning streak that includes a series sweep last weekend against Arkansas-Monticello in Arkadelphia.

Last year's series in Magnolia saw Southern Arkansas and Henderson State split a DH, before rain washed out the second day of play. The last time these two teams met was in the first round of last year's GAC Tourney, where HSU picked up a 9-0 victory.

This will be the 63th meeting all-time between the Lady Muleriders and the Reddies with HSU holding a 35-27 advantage in the series that started in earnest back in 1999. Southern Arkansas is 13-16 all-time in Magnolia when facing Henderson State.

SAU boasts league bests in team ERA (1.14), fielding percentage (.973) and batting average (.357). The Reddies are 3rd in team ERA (3.24), 6th in batting average (.272) and tied for seventh in fielding percentage (.957).

First-pitch for Friday's Doubleheader at the SAU Softball Complex in Magnolia is scheduled for 1 p.m. Be sure to check www.MuleriderAthletics.com or follow us on Twitter @MuleriderSports for the most up-to-date news on Lady Mulerider Softball, including recaps of all the SAU action this weekend.