LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With the release of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association week two rankings, Mulerider Softball advanced two spots in the Division II Top 25 to No. 21 nationally. Southern Arkansas has continued to stay within the NFCA's national rankings for the third consecutive time, including the preseason poll released four weeks ago.
 
Southern Arkansas faced competition at the Raising Cane's Softball Festival in Bethany and Edmond, Oklahoma. The Muleriders are now 9-4 overall with three newly added wins against Fort Hays State, Northeastern State, and now No. 7 Rogers State. SAU took one loss to the now No. 12 Central Oklahoma Bronchos by run-rule immediately following the Muleriders' ballgame against RSU.

SAU's climb keeps them as the fourth highest ranked squad among the Central Region with Pittsburg State descending to No. 18 (last week No. 17), Central Oklahoma dropping to 12 after being No. 11 previously, and Rogers State making the move up from eighth to seventh.
 
The Muleriders' batting average sits at .281 as a team with 96 total hits and 41 extra base hits; currently +23 in that category. SAU has recorded 67 runs to their opponents' 42 with 63 runners batted in while allowing 41 to foes.
 
The Southern Arkansas pitching room holds a staff ERA of 2.83 with senior Sydney Ward leading the group at 1.98.
 
Southern Arkansas now looks toward conference play as East Central enters into Mulerider Country for the first home series held on Dawson Field at the Dr. Margaret Downing Softball Complex of 2024. For Friday, a single contest is scheduled against the Tigers for a 4:00 p.m. start. Saturday will see the doubleheader to decide who claims the first league series of the year with a start time of 12:00 p.m. For more on Mulerider Softball, check out www.MuleriderAthletics.com