BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After locking in its first series win of the season, the Samford softball team will return to the diamond for a midweek game on Wednesday, Mar.23 at 3 p.m. against in-state rival Jacksonville State before competing in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 26 against SEC opponent Mississippi State.
 
The Bulldogs saw impressive results this past week against Colgate University, capturing three-straight wins over the Raiders for a series sweep at the Samford Softball Stadium. It was a 4-3 game one victory for the Bulldogs followed by an 8-7 extra-inning win in game two. The sweep came a day later with Samford defeating Colgate once again by a dominant 8-0 final decision.  
 
After 26 games played, the Bulldogs currently rank second in the Southern Conference in hitting with a .275 batting average, recording 103 runs on 195 hits. Out of those hits, Samford has logged 28 doubles, four triples, and 11 home runs, while driving in 87 runs at the plate. The Bulldogs hold an overall record of 14-12, while their upcoming opponents, Jacksonville State and Mississippi State, sit at 17-11 and 19-10, respectively.
 
COVERAGE:
 
Midweek action against the Gamecocks is available on EPSN+, while fans can watch Saturday's doubleheader via the SEC Network. Fans can also follow along via live stats for all three games. All coverage links are available on the Samford softball schedule page, https://samfordsports.com/sports/softball/schedule.
 
SERIES HISTORY:

• Jacksonville State holds the all-time series over the Bulldogs, 44-24, after meeting 68 times. The Gamecocks found two wins over Samford earlier this season after defeating the Bulldogs by scores of 4-1 and 5-1 on their home turf at University Field.
• Samford and Mississippi State met last season in Birmingham which saw the Starkville Bulldogs win 8-5 after posting game-winning runs in the top of the seventh. MSU currently holds a 20-2 series advantage over Samford.

 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH:

• Senior Timberlyn Shurbutt led the Bulldogs this past week with three runs on five hits in her nine plate appearances. The Alexandria, Ala., native also registered six RBIs for a team-high of 22 on the season, while smacking her fourth home run in Samford's 8-7 game two victory.
• In the circle, freshman McKenzie Newcomb made appearances in all three games against the Raiders, earning wins in each contest for an overall record of 10-6. In her 13.0 innings of work, Newcomb allowed just one earned run on eight hits while striking out 15 batters at the plate.

 
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).