Searcy, Ark. - The SAU Softball team open conference play this Sunday and Monday with doubleheaders in Searcy against Harding as both teams look to favorably position themselves in the standings going forward.

Both teams are coming out of last weekend with a loss in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, with the Muleriders winning their other three games and the Bisons, two games, then sweeping a doubleheader against Emporia State midweek. Both teams took part in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida, where the Muleriders went 3-2 and the Bisons went 4-1, with their only loss coming against Azusa Pacific.

The Muleriders enter this weekend ranked fourth in the country and recieving a first-place vote, while the Bisons were recieving votes in the first poll of the season. As a result, the Muleriders are currently the top-ranked team in the Central Region, and the Bisons sit sixth.

As a team, the Bisons lead the GAC in stolen bases and saves, and have had a pair of players recognized by the conference. Briley Feringa and Hanna Jones took home GAC Player and Freshman of the Week, respectively, due to their performances in Florida. On the other side, the Muleriders have recieved conference recognition each of the three weeks this season, having won all three GAC Pitcher of the Week Awards. Victoria Taylor received the honor the first two weeks; and Sydney Wader is the reigning conference pitcher of the week for going 2-0 in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic. 

After this series, the Muleriders play at the Dr. Margaret Softball Complex at Dawson Field for the first time as they welcome Northwestern Oklahoma State into Magnolia for a four-game series.