Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Tigers softball team, with a record of 17 wins and 33 losses, is set to face off against Wichita State, who holds a record of 26 wins, 23 losses, and 1 tie. This is an exciting series as it marks the end of the regular season for both teams. Games will happen on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Fans can catch Friday’s and Sunday’s games on ESPN+, and the Sunday match will also celebrate Senior Day for the Tigers.
Tigers Overview
After a challenging seven-game road trip in Florida, the Tigers return home. A standout moment during this stretch was their 8-3 victory against Bethune-Cookman.
Zoe Adebayo has been a force this season, making history in her final year with the Tigers. She currently has 10 home runs and 35 RBIs, placing her among the top performers in the program’s history. This is particularly notable since it’s the highest number of home runs by any player since 2011. Alongside her, Kennedy Semien has a solid batting average of .313 with 22 RBIs and 10 doubles, while Ariel Davis stepped up as a starter and boasts a .294 batting average.
On the pitching side, the Tigers have a team ERA of 5.43. Lyrical Bennett leads the staff with a 4.71 ERA and has thrown seven complete games. Rylee Dugar has the most strikeouts this season, reaching 54 over her 94.2 innings pitched.
Shockers Overview
Wichita State recently faced a tough loss against Kansas in a nine-inning game. However, the Shockers have excelled since losing their first conference series, achieving six series wins and a tie against South Florida.
The Shockers are particularly strong offensively, leading the American Athletic Conference in slugging percentage. Lauren Lucas shines as a key player, with a batting average of .385 and 42 RBIs. She’s not alone; teammates Brookelyn Livanec and Taylor Sedlacek also hit above .300, while Ellee Eck ties for the most stolen bases in the AAC with 21.
On the pitching end, Ryley Nihart stands out with a 2.85 ERA after 113 innings, along with 68 strikeouts. Ava Sliger and Chloe Barber bring additional depth to the young pitching staff.
Historical Context
The Tigers’ history with Wichita State has been challenging, with Memphis holding only three wins against 19 losses since 2010. The Shockers have won the last 17 matchups, providing an uphill battle for Memphis as they head into this series.
Final Thoughts
As the Tigers gear up to face Wichita State, they face a dual challenge: to improve their standings and break this tough streak against the Shockers. This weekend promises to be filled with excitement and potential historical moments for the Memphis softball program.
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