TUSKEGEE, Ala. ^__ Tuskegee softball is set to continue its strong start to the 2025 season as the Golden Tigers travel to Hoover, Alabama, for the SIAC Crossover, where they will play seven games over three days against conference opponents.
 
The action begins Tuesday, March 12, with matchups against Clark Atlanta and Edward Waters, followed by games against Fort Valley State, Savannah State, and Benedict on Wednesday, and a Thursday doubleheader against Albany State and Allen.
 
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (6-3, 3-0 SIAC)
Tuskegee enters the Crossover with a 6-3 overall record and a 3-0 mark in SIAC play after sweeping Lane in a three-game series.
 
The Golden Tigers have been led by a balanced offensive attack, strong pitching performances, and solid defensive execution.
 
At the plate, Alexis Thompson has been a standout, leading the team with a .458 batting average while also collecting 11 hits, four doubles, and one home run. She has driven in 10 runs and boasts a .750 slugging percentage, making her one of the most dangerous hitters in the Tuskegee lineup.
 
Jessica Morales has also been a key contributor, batting .444 with 12 hits, a triple, and four RBIs. Ava Merideth has provided additional power, hitting .391 with seven RBIs and a home run.
 
Pitching has been a key component of Tuskegee's success, with Monica Rose and Kamya Hampton leading the way in the circle.
 
Rose holds a 3-1 record with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 30 batters in 26 innings while limiting opponents to a .266 batting average. Hampton has been just as effective, posting a 3.12 ERA across 24.2 innings with 25 strikeouts and four complete games.
 
The duo has been instrumental in keeping the Golden Tigers competitive against both SIAC and non-conference opponents.
 
ABOUT CLARK ATLANTA (4-15, 2-7 SIAC)
Clark Atlanta has struggled early in the season but has shown flashes of offensive potential.
 
The Panthers are hitting .245 as a team, led by Johannas Bentley, who is batting .404 with 15 RBIs. The lineup also features Myia Lambert (.316 AVG, 9 RBIs) and Sierra Lopez (.293 AVG, 7 RBIs, 3 stolen bases).
 
The Panthers have struggled in the circle, posting a team ERA of 10.72 while allowing 162 runs in 19 games.
 
ABOUT EDWARD WATERS (13-11, 5-1 SIAC)
Edward Waters has had one of the strongest starts in the SIAC this season. The Tigers boast a team batting average of .276 and have stolen 59 bases in 75 attempts.
 
Kylah Gardner leads the team with a .413 average, five doubles, four triples, and two home runs, while Brooke Rice is hitting .333 with 21 RBIs.
 
The Tigers' pitching staff has been solid, posting a 4.71 team ERA, led by Keivana Durand (2.08 ERA, 72 strikeouts in 57.1 innings).
 
ABOUT FORT VALLEY STATE (7-11, 4-5 SIAC)
The Wildcats have been competitive in early conference play, sitting just below .500 overall.
 
They have shown power at the plate with 10 home runs but have struggled to get on base consistently, with a .267 team batting average.
 
Their pitching staff has an ERA above 5.00, meaning Tuskegee will look to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
 
ABOUT SAVANNAH STATE (7-9, 3-3 SIAC)
Savannah State has had a mixed start to the season but has picked up key conference wins.
 
The team is averaging just over five runs per game and has solid speed on the bases.
 
Their pitching has been inconsistent, with a team ERA near 6.00, and they have allowed more than 20 home runs already this season.
 
ABOUT BENEDICT (9-6, 6-3 SIAC)
Benedict enters the Crossover as one of the top teams in the league, holding a winning record in conference play.
 
The Tigers are hitting .291 as a team, with solid contributions throughout the lineup.
 
They have also performed well on the mound, posting a team ERA of 4.50. Benedict will present a tough challenge for Tuskegee.
 
ABOUT ALBANY STATE (7-6, 4-2 SIAC)
Albany State is another strong opponent for Tuskegee, with a solid mix of hitting and pitching.
 
The Golden Rams are batting .280 as a team and have stolen over 30 bases this season.
 
Their pitching staff has a respectable 4.20 ERA and has held opponents to a .250 batting average.
 
ABOUT ALLEN (0-6, 0-3 SIAC)
Allen is still searching for its first win of the season, having struggled in both hitting and pitching.
 
The Yellow Jackets have a team batting average below .230 and a pitching staff with an ERA over 8.00. They will be looking to turn their season around at the Crossover.
 
With a grueling seven-game stretch ahead, the Golden Tigers will need to maintain their consistency to emerge as one of the top teams in the SIAC.
 
The SIAC Crossover will serve as a major test for Tuskegee as they look to remain atop the conference standings.
 
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.