TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee softball returns to conference play this weekend, hosting Lane College for a three-game SIAC series at the TU Softball Field.
 
The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., followed by the series finale on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Both teams enter the weekend with identical 3-3 overall records as they look to gain momentum early in the conference season.
 
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (3-3)
Tuskegee enters the series with one of the most productive offenses in the conference, batting .350 as a team through six games. The Golden Tigers have scored 39 runs on 57 hits, including eight doubles, two triples, and one home run, while posting a .442 slugging percentage.
 
Leading the way offensively is Ava Merideth, who is hitting .375 with six hits and two doubles in five starts.
 
Alexis Thompson also carries a .375 average with six hits, while Jessica Morales has been a key contributor, batting .368 with seven hits, one triple, and five stolen bases. Caroline Clark (.667, six hits, six RBIs, HR) and DaJhay Norton (.571, four hits, two RBIs, .714 SLG%) provide additional power in the lineup.
 
Speed has also been a key factor for Tuskegee, as the team has stolen 20 bases in 23 attempts, led by Morales (5-for-5), Nylah Strange-Lindley (2-for-2), and Jurney Madison (3-for-3).
 
The Golden Tigers pitching staff has posted a 3.66 team ERA, allowing 29 runs on 46 hits in 36.1 innings pitched. The staff is led by Kamya Hampton (1-2, 3.56 ERA, 19.2 IP, 18 Ks) and Monica Rose (2-1, 3.78 ERA, 16.2 IP, 19 Ks), both of whom have complete games this season.
 
Defensively, Tuskegee has recorded a .915 fielding percentage with 14 errors in 165 total chances. Morales, Kaeley Roldan, and Strange-Lindley have been defensive anchors, each posting a 1.000 fielding percentage in their respective positions.
 
ABOUT LANE (3-3)
Lane enters the series batting .183 as a team, scoring 15 total runs on 24 hits. The Dragons' offense has struggled to generate consistent production, but they have had success on the basepaths, stealing 12 bases in 13 attempts.
 
The Dragons are led offensively by Halle Koger (.267, 4 hits, 1 double) and Koralie Morin (.235, four hits, HR, two RBIs, .412 SLG%). Ja'Kai Ray (.250, three hits, a double, two stolen bases) and Jazmyne Brown (.214, three hits, three RBIs) provide additional support in the lineup.
 
Lane's pitching staff has been solid, posting a 3.78 team ERA through six games. Morin (2-1, 1.75 ERA, 20.0 IP, 11 Ks) has been the ace, allowing just five earned runs in three starts. Autumn Phillips (1-2, 4.81 ERA, 16.0 IP, four Ks) has also been a key contributor, while Jonni Sanchez (28.00 ERA, 1.0 IP) has seen limited action in relief.
 
Defensively, Lane has been one of the best fielding teams in the SIAC, recording a .975 fielding percentage with just four errors in 157 total chances. Kathrynanne Ivy and Morin have been among the team's top defensive players.
 
Tuskegee will look to use its high-powered offense and strong pitching duo to take control of the series, while Lane will aim to rely on its pitching and defensive efficiency to keep games close. With both teams entering the series at 3-3, this weekend will play a crucial role in the early-season SIAC standings.
 
First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m., with Sunday's series finale also scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the TU Softball Field.
 
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Softball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.