MERCER, Ga. - The Samford softball team is back on the road this weekend as it begins Southern Conference play with a three-game series at Mercer. Two sides that met in the semifinals of last season's SoCon Tournament enter open conference play with Samford carrying a 9-20 record and the Bears with a 12-13 mark.

The Bulldogs have played a top-20 nonconference schedule as they have gone 0-7 against nationally ranked opponents. Despite that, Preseason Player of the Year Olivia Shaw has delivered with an average of .317 and an OPS over .950. Half of her team-high 26 hits have gone for extra bases and she leads the Dogs with 23 RBIs. The Bulldogs have been without their top pitcher Makinley Turner, for three weeks as she deals with an injury.

Samford is 53-34 all-time against the Bears as they took two of three in the series when they met last season. The Bears are led by Olivia Lenzen who hits .400 at the plate as the Bears enter one game under .500. The Bulldogs look to snap a seven-game skid as they open SoCon play.

The games will only be available with live stats here, as there will be no streams in Macon.

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).