ST. CHARLES, Mo. — This weekend, the Tennessee State University Tigers softball team (9-10-1) will finish their 15-game road trip to St. Charles, Missouri, to take on the Lindenwood University Lions (5-11). The three-game series will be the first conference games for the battle-tested Tigers and Lindenwood. This will be the first match between the schools and Lindenwood's first OVC games.
 
TSU's schedule has been challenging, with them only playing four home games, taking on the ninth-ranked Texas Longhorns, the 24th-ranked Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, and going on the road for three tournaments. They also played Chattanooga and the University of Incarnate Word in single games on the road.  
 
"We played some good competition in our pre-conference schedule," said TSU head coach Genee McRath. "We have been in many of the same situations we will face in the OVC. As coaches, we want them to understand that we belong on the same field as the best teams. We are here now, so it is time to show up."
 
 
The Matchup: Tennessee State Tigers (9-10-1, 0-0 OVC) at Lindenwood (5-11, 0-0 OVC)
Date/Time: Saturday, March 11|| 11:00 a.m. (CST)
Date/Time: Sunday, March 12|| 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. (CST)
Location: Lou Brock Sports Complex | St. Charles, Missouri
Live Stats
 
 SCOUTING THE TIGERS:

• ·Freshman catcher Onnika Spencer leads TSU in home runs (four), doubles (six), RBI (14), and slugging percentage (.654). She was named Co-Player of the Week in the OVC in week one.
• Freshman Jasmine Blackburn has been a pleasant surprise early on. Her 11 RBI ranks her third on the team in that category.
• Anayah Baker-Rowell has been tough on opposing pitchers from the ninth hole. She had six RBI in the 8-5 victory over Ivy League champion Princeton.
• In the circle, TSU relies on the tandem of sophomore Caitlyn Manus and freshman Holly Ayala. The two have combined for nine complete games and a 3.41 ERA.

 SCOUTING LINDENWOOD

• Last season, Lindenwood had an impressive 35-13 record and was an earned at-large bid in the Division II tournament. They were tough at home, going 15-3.
• Sophomore Mya Bethany leads the team in batting average at .333 and RBI with nine.
• Sophomore Irelynn West is a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen bases.
• The Lions have used five pitchers this season, with Amanda Weyh (3-2) leading the team with a stingy 1.55 ERA.

 The Tigers will return home on Wednesday, March 15, when they start a four-game home stand with a single game against UAB.