Memphis softball will open American Athletic Conference play this weekend as the Tigers travel to Wichita State. The Tigers are coming off a four-game win streak.
Memphis is 21-7, which is tied with 2011 for the best start in program history. With wins this weekend, they could earn their way to having the best start in Tiger softball history. Memphis currently sits at 68 in RPI rankings.
Memphis went 7-11 in conference play last season. In the AAC tournament, they went to the semifinals, which is the furthest the team had ever advanced. This year, they were predicted to finish sixth in a preseason poll. However, Memphis now has the best record of any team in the conference.
This will only be the second time in program the teams meet. The last time was in 2010 in a series where the Shockers and Tigers went 1-1.
Areas of improvement
Memphis had two solid pitching games this week. Molly Smith pitched well in the entire game against Ole Miss on Tuesday, allowing just three runs. Mariah Nichols pitched well Wednesday against UT Martin, where the Skyhawks got just seven hits and two runs.
The defense also played well to back up the pitcher and needs to continue to do so if the Tigers want to win. In the loss against Southeast Missouri State last weekend, the Tigers were unable to get outs and gave the Redhawks a comfortable lead with five runs in the third inning.
A look at the opponent
Head coach Natalie Poole described the Shockers as “an impressive team, a scrappy team, an aggressive team.”
Wichita State sits at 26 in RPI rankings. They received 10 votes this week in the USA TODAY poll.
This will be the first time the two teams meet since both joined the American Athletic Conference. Wichita State joined before this season.
“I think they’re going to be tough,” Poole said. “I think they’re going to be a great foe. They mix well into this conference just like every other team that we face, so it’s going to be a battle from the first time we step on the field.”
The shockers have six batters with at least 10 RBIs. Three players have a batting average above .300, and the team bats at .268. The offense is also effective on bases, successfully stealing 20 of 23 attempted this season.
They also give challenges to their opponents at the plate. The Shockers have pitched a collective 164 strikeouts. They have allowed 31 doubles, 10 triples and 11 home runs.
Players to watch
Wichita State outfielder Page Lullen
Lullen bats at .397, although she has only played in 17 games this season. She has three doubles and leads the team with four home runs — the most of any Shocker.
Wichita State pitcher Bailey Lange
Lange is 9-6 for the Shockers this season. She has a .262 ERA and has pitched 105 strikeouts. After 348 at bats, she has allowed just four home runs from opponents, who are combined .348 at bat. Her pitches could give the Tigers trouble.
Memphis left fielder Baylee Smith
Smith had a diving catch on a fly ball that would have given Ole Miss a multiple-base hit. The freshman is effective in the outfield, with a .941 fielding percentage.
She also leads the Tigers in batting at .472. She has 22 RBIs and has stolen nine of an attempted 11 bases.
Memphis pinch hitter Kendall Lee
The freshman had two home runs this week, including a grand slam against Ole Miss. Her homer against UT Martin gave the Tigers three runs. NCAA softball recognized the grand slam on Twitter.
After the win, Lee said she had more confidence when she is called upon to come to the plate. Another strong weekend for her could be instrumental in conference play’s opening weekend.
Baylee Smith gets set to swing as her team watches from the dugout. Smith is a left fielder and has a .409 batting average and has 26 stolen bases
Molly Smith gets set to pitch against Mississippi State. She has a 1.49 ERA this season and pitched three no hitters.
