NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Tiger softball team has enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history. One of the keys to their success is their record on the road. Fourteen of their 21 wins have come away from Tiger Field.

To prepare for the OVC grind, the head coach Genee McRath created a demanding pre-conference schedule that sent the team to Vicksburg, Mississippi; Chattanooga, Tennessee, Atlanta; and Austin and San Antonio, Texas. One constant thing, whether home or away, is family members' support, which helps ease the burden on the road for the players and coaches.

"It is always good to see familiar faces on the road," said McRath. "I, for one, have been blessed to have my sister (Renae Spears) on the staff, and my parents haven't missed a game. It means a lot to the players to see the support. It has made a difference."

The team's accomplishments are a byproduct of the difference. On Wednesday, they will play in their first OVC tournament game since 2001. Grad student Nahtali Simpson (2/28/2000) and senior Shelby Shepard (6/12/2000) are the only two Tiger players born the last time TSU was in the postseason. Their 21 wins tie them for second place in team history. Their 4-0 record to start the season is a team record. Also, they started the season 4-0 in OVC play which they have never done before. They are currently on a five-game winning streak.

The tournament will be held at a neutral site in Oxford, Alabama. The Tigers' record is 9-9-1 on the road and 5-5 at neutral sites. If they win on Wednesday, it will also be a first. They have never won a postseason game.

"It is hard to play on the road, but the support has been awesome," said right fielder Laila Armstrong. "We talk about it all the time. My mom hasn't missed a game, and my dad only missed because of work. Others have at least one parent at our games. To be on the road and hear cheers when we do well is fun. We have broken some records this year. I hope we can keep it going."

The Tigers will take on Lindenwood on Wednesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. in Oxford, Alabama.