March 22, 2003

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford Softball team opens Atlantic Sun Conference play on Sunday at 2 p.m. against Jacksonville University, who is playing its first season of fast-pitch at Bulldog Field.

The Bulldogs are 14-7 and off to their best start in school history. Jacksonville is 16-18 in its first season. The Dolphins have already played 10 conference games and are 5-5 after splitting double-headers at Jacksonville State and Belmont on Thursday and Friday.

Samford has not played since Tuesday when it lost a 1-0 decision at UAB. Samford is 7-0 at Bulldog Field this season. The Bulldogs are hitting .343 with eight doubles and 11 home runs at home. Kelly Smith is 8-16 with two doubles, three homers, and 13 RBI in home games. The staff ERA is 0.93 at home and four of the six shutouts this season have been at Bulldog Field. Sarah Godfrey continues to lead the Bulldogs with a .403 season average while Angela Bednark is hitting .381 with five doubles, four home runs, and 17 RBI. Michelle Wright is hitting .367 with four doubles and leads the team in home runs and RBI with seven and 22 respectively. In the circle, Erin Landsburg is 6-3 with a 2.43 ERA. She and Emilee Lewis who is 5-2 on the year each have three shutouts for the season.

Jill Bandhauer leads the Dolphins with a .369 average. She has nine doubles, two home runs, and 20 RBI to lead the team. Bridget Starry is hitting .306 with nine doubles, three home runs, and 11 RBI. JU as a team is hitting .273 with 45 doubles on the season. In the circle, Starry is 9-6 with a 1.08 ERA. Katie Dobson is 5-12 with a 2.50 ERA.

After its double-header against JU, the Bulldogs will play three-straight conference double headers on the road. Samford is on spring break next week and will travel to UCF, FAU, and Troy State.