BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford softball team will host the Catamounts of Western Carolina for a weekend series starting on Saturday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. single game on Sunday at the Samford Softball Stadium.
 
The Bulldogs are coming their hottest start in Southern Conference play since 2016 after an impressive series sweep over Mercer this past weekend. Samford locked in the early series win after back-to-back shutouts, 6-0 and 8-0, on Saturday afternoon at Sikes Field. The following day saw an 8-4, extra-inning victory for the Bulldogs, executing a late rally in the top of the ninth behind two-run RBI singles from both Sarah Squillace and Mary Katherine Tedder. The three-straight wins improved Samford's overall record to 18-14 in the season.
 
Western Carolina has suffered six-straight losses after dropping games to North Carolina A&T, UNC Greensboro, and USC Upstate to put the Catamounts at 15-20 on their season. Most recently, WCU recorded back-to-back losses against the Spartans, falling in game one by a 3-1 final decision before being run-ruled in game two, 9-1 (6). In Southern Conference play, the Catamounts hold an overall record of 2-4, finding their lone two wins against the Buccaneers of ETSU.
 
BY THE NUMBERS:
 
After 32 contests, Samford is hitting .268 as a team with 17 home runs, 131 runs scored on 236 hits and 113 RBIs. The team is slugging .370, holds a .337 on-base clip and has swiped 26 bases on 33 attempts.
 
COVERAGE:
 
This weekend's action will be available to watch on ESPN+, while fans can also follow along via live stats. Coverage links are available on the Samford softball schedule page, https://samfordsports.com/sports/softball/schedule.
 
SERIES HISTORY:

• Western Carolina leads the all-time series over Samford, 21-18, including a 6-4 mark in the past ten games. Last season, the Catamounts completed a series sweep of the Bulldogs in Cullowhee after capturing 8-0 (5), 4-1, and 5-3 victories.

 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH:

• Freshman Kedzie Howe made a statement this past weekend in Samford's 8-0 win over Mercer with the Norcross, Ga., native recording a grand slam in the top of the seventh for her first-career home run. Howe has competed in 14 games for the Bulldogs this season, knocking 11 hits in 35 at bats and driving in four runs.
• Fellow freshman Gwynnie Hornibrook currently ranks fifth on the team in batting average with a .241 clip after tallying 20 hits in 83 at bats. In her 30 appearances this season, the Birmingham native has crossed home plate five times while smacking two home runs and posting nine 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).