The Clark Atlanta University softball team opens up play in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Championships Thursday at noon when they take on Tuskegee University in Albany, Ga.

Seeded third, the Lady Panthers (14-19, 9-9 SIAC) would have to take on the winner of the top-seeded Albany State vs. No. 4 Kentucky State game if they win Thursday.

"The team is very excited," said CAU head coach Lawanda Pearson.  "They feel good about where they are in the seeding. They are ready to be beat Tuskegee. They feel like that one slipped past them and they said they have no fear of Albany State."

The Lady Panthers remember well the last time they played Tuskegee (15-24, 13-6 SIAC) during the SIAC Crossover, a March 12-4 loss to the Golden Tigers. And if Albany State defeats Kentucky State, CAU feels like they can match up with the home-standing Golden Tigers.

"They know they didn't hit the first time we played them, but they obviously saw that they could be beaten," Pearson said.  "And if they win, Albany State because they feel we gave them some really tough competition, I believe we can overcome those two.  I've been saying 'three games to the championship.'  That's out saying - three games to the championship, but we're going to take each game one game at a time."

Thursday, Kendra Gibbons lead Tuskegee against the Lady Panthers.  Gibbons leads Tuskegee in hitting with a .352 batting average and four home runs, while Myracle Hawkins is just behind her, batting .351 with 27 hits and 13 RBIs this season.

The Lady Panthers counter with utility player/infielder Tatianna Kelly who has hit .461 with six homers, 35 hits and 30 RBIs this season.  Shortstop Chase Gray-Still has hit .425, while first baseman/catcher Cailla Williams has hit at a .407 clip.  First/third baseman Keshonna Terrell has also had a strong season, hitting .373, with seven triples among her 31 hits.