Feb. 29, 2008

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack softball team will open play in the Ole Miss Red and Blue Classic today at 4 p.m. SFA is scheduled to take on Ole Miss in the opener, then play Louisiana Tech in the nightcap at 8 p.m.

The Ladyjacks are coming off a solid Southland Conference opener. SFA took two of three in its series against Sam Houston State - the preseason favorite in the SLC. The Ladyjacks took a 3-0 win in Game 1 and landed a 7-0 verdict in Game 3 with a 10-0 loss sandwiched in between.

The Ladyjacks (11-4, 2-1 SLC) have now won seven of their last nine games. SFA is batting .296 as a team, led by sophomore Kendal Harper's .556 average and .933 slugging percentage. Freshman Monika Covington leads a solid pitching staff. She is 7-1 on the season with her only loss coming at No. 3 Texas A&M and carries a 1.57 ERA.

In addition to Ole Miss and Louisiana Tech, this weekend's tournament foes include Troy, Jacksonville State and Belmont. SFA will take on Troy and Jacksonville State Saturday before finishing tournament play with a Sunday game against Belmont.

To follow the tournament action online, visit the Red and Blue Classic tournament page on the Ole Miss athletics Web site by clicking here