March 4, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The UAB softball squad hits the road for a single game with Mississippi State Tuesday evening in Starkville, Miss. First pitch is schedule for 6 p.m. at MSU Softball Field.

The Blazers (13-9) renew their rivalry with the Bulldogs (16-4) after going 4-1 at the Magic City Classic.

This will be the second schedule meeting between the two teams. Last Tuesday, the Blazers' home game with MSU as canceled due to cold, wet and windy conditions that hampered most of the region.

The No. 18 Bulldogs could be the first ranked opponent the Blazers face this season, if they manage to stay in the Top 25 after a 3-2 weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

Jennifer Nelson (7-6) was named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week for her outstanding performance at the Magic City Classic. The left-hander tossed three complete games on her way to a 2-1 weekend and also recorded a save in UAB's 4-3 victory over Samford. In the Blazers' victory over Columbia she fanned 12 including eight in a row. Overall she retired 28 batters on strikes while walking three. She comes into contest three strikeouts shy of 700 for her career.

Kayla Harris (6-3) has won her last two decisions and continues to be a go-to pitcher for head coach Marla Townsend. Harris currently has a team-low ERA of 2.25 and is just two victories shy of reaching her total from last season. She also continues to be a threat at the plate, having significantly raised her batting average (.273) with a stretch of nine hits in five games. She has already passed totals last year for doubles and home runs.

Holly Krzan continues to put up strong numbers at the plate for UAB. Krzan smoked two home runs at drove in seven runs this past weekend. The senior shortstop is hitting a team-high .391 and leads the team in every major offensive category, including homers (3), RBI (15) and runs (20).