BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford softball team will compete in its third-straight tournament this coming weekend as the Bulldogs will travel across town for the Blazer Classic.
 
Samford softball currently sits at an overall record of 7-9 after participating in the Ole Miss Tournament this past weekend. The Blazers will enter competition with a record of 9-9, while Ball State is currently notched at 5-5 on its season. Southern Illinois has yet to be handed its first loss of the season with a 14-0 record.
 
NOTES: BLAZER CLASSIC
 
FRIDAY DH
Opponent: vs. Ball State (5-5) & UAB (9-9)
Date: Friday, Mar. 12
Site: Mary Bowers Field    
Time: 11 AM | 4 PM
 
COVERAGE:
GM1: Live Stats
GM2: C-USA TV & Live Stats
 
BALL STATE SERIES HISTORY:

• Samford and Ball State have met just three times.
• The Bulldogs hold a 2-1 advantage in the series.
• The two teams met last March where the Cardinals captured a 2-0 win.

UAB SERIES HISTORY:

• The cross-town rivals have face each other 27 times.
• The Blazers hold a 21-6 advantage in the series.
• The two teams last met in April 2019 where the Bulldogs fell 6-2.

 
SATURDAY DH
Opponents: vs. Southern Illinois (14-0) & Ball State
Dates: Saturday, Mar. 13
Site: Mary Bowers Field   
Time: 10 AM | 12:30 PM
 
COVERAGE:
GM1: Live Stats: TBA
GM2: Live Stats: TBA
 
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SERIES HISTORY:

• This will be the first meeting between the two teams.  

SUNDAY SINGLE GAME
Opponent: Southern Illinois
Date: Sunday, Mar. 14
Site: Mary Bowers Field
Time: 11 AM
 
COVERAGE:
Live Stats: TBA
 
 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH:

• Whitney Hinton and Timberlyn Shurbutt have been driving in runs for the Bulldogs with both players recording a team-high nine RBIs on the season. Hinton has started all 16 games for Samford, totaling nine runs on 16 hits, three doubles, and three home runs. Shurbutt has also seen success offensively with seven runs on 13 hits, six doubles, and one home run.
• Amanda Briskin currently leads the Bulldogs with a .351 batting average after playing and starting in 13 games for Samford. She has recorded eight runs on 13 hits and one RBI in 37 at bats.
• Emily Barnett continues to be a force in the circle with a team-high four wins on the season. She has made 11 appearances and three starts for the Bulldogs. Barnett and Abby Swaney have both struck out 32 batters to lead Samford.

 
 
OPPONENT QUICK LOOKS:

• UAB has recorded nine wins and nine losses with the Blazers also falling to Ole Miss and Troy University this season. Sierra Frazier is a top contender for UAB with a total of 10 runs on 13 hits, two doubles, four home runs, and nine RBIs.
• Ball State has competed in back-to-back tournaments and one single game for a record of 5-5. The Cardinals have already faced Southern Illinois once this season where they were handed a 6-1 loss. Faith Hensley is a key offensive player for Ball State with five runs on 10 hits, 1 double, three home runs, and 12 RBIs.
• Southern Illinois has shown impressive results with a perfect 14-0 record to start its season. The UAB Classic will be the fifth-straight tournament the Salukis have competed in. Their standout player is Maddy Vermejan who has seen 27 at bats for Southern Illinois, registering 15 runs on 11 hits, two doubles, and four RBIs.

 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford softball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSB (Twitter), and @SamfordSB (Instagram).