The Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers softball team is in Jasper, Ala., to take part in this weekend's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Crossover.
The Lady Panthers (5-10) are coming off two losses at home to Point University Monday. But CAU won the two of their previous four games, defeating Edward Waters and Fort Valley State.
They start off the tournament Thursday with the SIAC's reigning conference champions, Spring Hill at 1:15 p.m. Central time and then Miles at 5:45 p.m.
The Lady Panthers are scheduled to play Lane at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by Tuskegee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday CAU plays LeMoyne-Owen at 12:15 p.m. and Kentucky State at 2:30 p.m.
"I'm feeling confident, knowing what we're facing today," said CAU Head Coach
Lawanda Pearson. "Typically, Spring Hill and Miles tend to be the stronger teams in the conference from the West, so it's going to be a tough fight for us today. But if we can get over this hill successful, the remainder of the tournament shouldn't be as bad.
"Of course, Tuskegee and Lane give us a run as well, as well as Kentucky State," she said. "But I think with the talent that we have, and the young ladies seeing that all the conference schools are here what that looks like, I'm very hopefully and really feel like we should succeed."
The Lady Panthers have been paced at the plate by
Kayla Montague, a senior who has hit .387 with 12 hits and 13 total bases so far this season. She's also a perfect 11-for-11 in stolen bases.
Skylar Smith has hit .346 with nine hits including two doubles. Preseason All-SIAC picks
Tatianna Kelly and
Keshonna Terrell have hit .341 and .324 respectively, with Kelly hitting three home runs so far this season.
On the mound,
Brianna Smith leads the Lady Panthers with a 2-1 record, striking out nine hitters this season.
The added importance of this weekend's games are they will be the first full dive into conference play for SIAC teams, particularly in light of other concerns plaguing athletic programs across the country.
"It's just important we have a good showing," Pearson said.
