Bama Softball Hosts South Carolina this Weekend
3/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
 |
|
The sixth-ranked Alabama softball team (18-3, 3-0) will close out its 11-game stand this weekend as the team hosts SEC rival South Carolina (17-5, 0-0) in a three-game set.
Alabama comes in off a three-game, mid-week series sweep of the Florida Gators and looks to remain perfect in conference play. The Gamecocks are on a nine-game win streak heading into the series, marking the longest streak for USC since 2002.
"We have great respect for the South Carolina program and its hall of fame coach, Joyce Compton," said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy. "I'm sure it will be another extremely tight three-game series. We are looking forward to the competition."
South Carolina holds the distinction of being one of only two teams in the SEC that has a winning record against Alabama, but only by the slimmest of margins. USC holds a 14-13 advantage but the Tide has won the last five meetings including a three-game sweep of the Gamecocks in Columbia last season.
Freshman Brittany Rogers leads the Alabama offense, hitting at a .393 clip. She's also the team leader in stolen bases with 13. Sophomore Dani Woods and senior Staci Ramsey provide the power for the Crimson Tide lineup as each leads the team with three home runs and 15 RBI.
Senior pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle anchors a pitching staff that has turned in a 0.62 ERA thus far in the season. VanBrakle is the staff leader with a 0.39 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 72.1 innings pitched, also a team high.
The two teams will play a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday and will close out the series on Sunday with a single game scheduled for 1:30 p.m. All times are Central.
Fans can follow all the action at www.rolltide.com where live stats and audio are available. In the Tuscaloosa area, all the balls and strikes can be heard live on 90.7 FM WVUA.
