GAME NOTES: Samford vs. Georgia Southern (05.03-04.14)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University softball team is set for its last home series of the regular season as they play host to Southern Conference leaders Georgia Southern University on May 3 and 4, at Samford Field.

The Bulldogs currently trail the Eagles 9-24 in the all-time record book with GSU taking the last seven contest over SU.

The last time Samford defeated Georgia Southern was on April 3, 2011 when the Bulldogs edged out the Eagles in an 11-10 nine inning affair. Senior Arica Dykes, a freshman at the time, led the way offensively for SU as she went 4 for 5 at the plate with three runs scored in the effort.

Dykes the lone senior on this year's squad will be recognized for her hard work and dedication to the Samford softball program. The Newton, Ala. native played in 180 games during her career for the Bulldogs with 119 starts to her credit. Through her four year career Dykes ripped 51 hits, scored 49 runs, 19 RBI and has stolen 24 bases.

Junior Abby Adams and sophomore Callie Brister are in a spirited race to try and break the Samford single-season record for most RBI. Adams has knocked in a team-high 36 while Brister trails closely behind with 35 total on the year.

Sophomore Megan Dowdy is in a race all on her own to break the school's single-season record for most stolen bases by a Bulldog. Dowdy tied the record this past week with two stolen bases against North Carolina A&T and now has a total of 20 swipes on the year.

The Southern Conference shuffling for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament is starting to show signs that it is settling though none of the top five teams have locked in its position. Georgia Southern only needs to win one game over the Bulldogs to lock up the No. 1 seed, while Furman needs to win at least two secure the number two seed. Samford needs to win at least two out of three against GSU to move up  to the No. 3 seed and get a little help from Western Carolina in their series against Chattanooga.

ON DECK
Samford starts post-season play with the Southern Conference tournament on May 7, which will be held in Greensboro, N.C. on the campus of the UNCG.