BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford softball team will host No. 34 Mississippi State for a single game on Tuesday, Apr. 12 at 6 p.m. and will then head to Jacksonville State on Thursday, Apr. 15 to compete against the Gamecocks in a single game starting at 4 p.m. at University Field.
 
The Bulldogs are coming off a 2-1 series win against Furman for an overall record of 14-19, 4-5 (SoCon). Mississippi State sits at 20-16, 0-9 (SEC), while Jacksonville State will enter competition with a current record of 13-18, 11-9 (OVC).
 
NOTES
 
TUESDAY SINGLE GAME
Opponent: vs. Mississippi State (20-16)
Date: Tuesday, Apr. 13
Site: Samford Softball Field     
Time: 6 PM CT
 
COVERAGE:
ESPN+ & Live Stats

MSU SERIES HISTORY:

• Samford and MSU have competed a total of 12 times since 2003.
• Mississippi State holds an 11-1 advantage in the series.
• In their last meeting, MSU defeated Samford 11-1.

 
THURSDAY SINGLE GAME
Opponents: vs. Jacksonville State (13-18)
Dates: Thursday, Apr. 15
Site: University Field 
Time: 5 PM CT
 
COVERAGE:
ESPN+ & Live Stats
 
JSU SERIES HISTORY:

• Since 2002, Samford and Jacksonville state have faced off 30 times.
• The Gamecocks hold a 21-9 advantage in the series.
• Earlier this season, the Bulldogs captured a 5-2 win over JSU.

 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH:

• Whitney Hinton broke the program record for career RBIs this past weekend against Furman with the senior driving in three runs for a total of 134 RBIs in her time as a Bulldog. Hinton continues to lead Samford with 20 runs on 24 hits, seven home runs, and 21 RBIs this season.  
• Timberlyn Shurbutt slugged her sixth home run of the season in game one against the Paladins. Shurbutt has played in all 33 games this season for Samford, recording 16 runs on 31 hits, a team-high nine doubles, six home runs, and 20 RBIs in 101 at bats.

 
OPPONENT QUICK LOOKS:

• Mississippi State is led offensively by Fa Leilua who has a current .347 batting average with 34 hits in 98 at bats. Leilua has also logged 24 runs and five doubles while registering a team-high 12 home runs and 32 RBIs.
• In the circle, Annie Willis has made 20 appearances and 11 starts for a total of 86.1 innings pitched for the fellow Bulldogs. The right-handed pitcher has captured 12 wins and four losses while allowing 29 earned runs and striking out 105 batters at the plate this season.
• Jada Terry is key player offensively for Jacksonville State with a team-high .366 batting average after knocking 34 hits in 93 at bats. The senior has also earned 15 runs, five doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 25 RBIs this season.
• Senior right-handed pitcher, Nicole Rodriguez, has captured five wins and four losses in the circle for the Gamecocks. In her 14 appearances this season, Rodriguez has allowed 20 earned runs on 47 hits while striking out 66 batters.

 
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).