BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After securing its first conference series, the Samford softball team will now travel to Cullowhee, N.C. to compete against Western Carolina in a doubleheader on Friday, Apr. 2 starting at 1 p.m. and a single game on Saturday, Apr. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Catamount Softball Complex.
 
The Bulldogs head into the weekend with an overall record of 12-15 after locking in a 2-1 series victory over the Mercer Bears. Western Carolina currently sits at 8-16 on its season and opened up conference play with a 1-1 split against the Chattanooga Mocs.

NOTES
 
FRIDAY DH
Opponent: vs. Western Carolina (8-16)
Date: Friday, Apr. 2
Site: Catamount Softball Complex
Time: 1 PM CT | 3 PM CT
 
COVERAGE:
GM1: ESPN+ & Live Stats
GM2: ESPN+ & Live Stats
 
SATURDAY SINGLE GAME
Opponents: vs. Western Carolina
Dates: Saturday, Apr. 3
Site: Catamount Softball Complex
Time: 10 AM CT
 
COVERAGE:
Live Stats   
 
WESTERN CAROLINA SERIES HISTORY:

• Samford and Western Carolina have competed against each other 36 times.
• The series is currently notched at 18-18 between the two teams.
• In their last meeting, the Catamounts defeated the Bulldogs 6-4.

 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH:

• Whitney Hinton is coming off a four-home run weekend against the Bears as the senior now has a total of 41 career home runs as a Bulldog. Hinton has a current .310 batting average after 26 hits in 84 at bats, while recording 16 runs, five doubles, seven home runs, and 18 RBIs this season.
• Emily Barnett continues to lead Samford in the circle with an overall record of 6-4. She has made 17 appearances and eight starts, pitching 66.1 innings and striking out 54 batters for the Bulldogs. Barnett has also made a statement in the Southern Conference, earning Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season after earning back-to-back wins against Mercer.

 
WESTERN CAROLINA QUICK LOOKS

• Western Carolina has seen eight wins and 16 losses this season with its most recent victory coming from a 2-0 win over Chattanooga. The Catamounts have also captured wins against Alabama State, North Alabama, Longwood, Presbyterian, and Radford.
• Bailey Huneycutt is an offensive standout for Western Carolina with a team-high .359 batting average. Huneycutt has recorded a total of 16 runs on 23 hits, two doubles, five home runs, and 14 RBIs this season.
• In the circle, Jayme Eilers and Savannah Rice have both collected four wins and eight losses this season. Eilers has made 14 appearances and 13 starts for the Catamounts, pitching 78.0 complete innings and striking out 65 batters at the plate. Rice follows with 69.0 innings pitched for WCU, earning 37 strikeouts while recording a 6.00 ERA on the season.

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).