ADA – The East Central University softball team will finally get to play at Tiger Field during the 2017 season, after starting the season at neutral sites for games against strong regional competition.

The Tigers will play a four-game series against No. 2 Southern Arkansas, Feb. 24-25.  Double-headers are set for each day, with Friday's games starting at 1 p.m. and Saturday's at noon.

ECU went 9-3 in the first two weekends of play, including a 4-2 mark last weekend at the UAM 8-State Classic in Bentonville, Ark.

Over the six games in Bentonville, the Tigers saw six players hit over .400 average.  Junior Alissa Taylor netted a .571 average, four runs, 12 hits, two home runs and six RBIs.  Taylor also had a strong weekend in the field, with 39 putouts and an assisted out with no errors.

Senior Kelbie Crelia went 3-0 in the circle for ECU, with a 0.88 ERA, one complete game, 13 hits and two runs allowed and seven strikeouts in 16.0 innings.

The Muleriders come into the series with a 10-2 overall record after going 3-1 at the UAM 8-State Classic.  SAU has a .350 team batting average, while allowing a .276 mark.

The Muleriders have three batters hitting over .400 on the year, with Jill Roye leading the team with a .532 average.  Roye has six runs, 25 hits, two home runs and 27 RBIs on the season.  Maddie Dow adds a .44 average, 18 runs, 16 hits, seven home runs and 21 RBIs.

SAU has thrown five pitchers this season, with just two of those seeing over five innings of work.  Victoria Taylor has a 2.17 ERA, 7-0 record, three complete game, 44 hits and 24 runs allowed and 54 Ks in 42.0 innings.  Kaylee Garner adds a 3.50 ERA, 3-0 record, 25 hits and 18 runs allowed and 23 strikeouts in 26.0 innings.