Ole Miss Softball Prepares for Midweek Matchup Against UAB

Kylan Becker sends the ball down the first base line. Photo courtesy of Cameron Brooks / Ole Miss Athletics

The No. 18 Ole Miss Rebels softball team returns to the diamond this evening as they welcome the UAB Blazers for a midweek matchup. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on the SEC Network.

Ole Miss comes into the game after taking the series from the Kentucky Wildcats in the Bluegrass State.

Sophomore Amanda Roth had a breakout performance at the dish with a .538 batting average four extra-base knocks, six RBIs and three runs scored against the Wildcats.

UAB is 15-22 on the season, including 5-9 in Conference USA play. The Rebels will be the fourth SEC team to face off against the Blazers, with UAB suffering two defeats each to Auburn, Alabama and Georgia. The Blazers have struggled thus far in true road games, posting a 3-10 mark on their opponent’s home field.

The Blazers are led offensively by junior infielder and Ridgeland, Mississippi native Natalie Erwin, who is batting .340 on the season with five doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Freshman outfielder Faith Hegh is close behind with a .336 average, pacing UAB with 11 doubles while scoring 16 runs and driving in nine more. Freshman infielder Sierra Frazier leads the team with five home runs and a .552 slugging percentage, adding eight doubles, 21 RBIs and 11 runs scored. Former Rebel Dylinn Stancil has been the biggest run producer for the Blazers, with the junior driving in 22 runs with a .303 average, nine doubles and three home runs.

The Blazers have used a pitcher by committee approach in the circle, with all four hurlers surpassing 40.0 innings pitched. Sophomore Emily Kachel leads the team with 70.1 innings in 20 appearances and 15 starts, posting a 3.88 ERA with a 4-6 record. Freshman Sarah Cespedes is the only Blazer pitcher with a winning record, sitting at 6-5 in 25 appearances and seven starts while logging a 3.83 ERA in 64.0 innings. Junior Claire Blount has also seen her fair share of action at 60.2 frames, going 4-9 in 19 appearances and 12 starts with a 6.12 ERA.

The Blazers currently lead the series 2-1 in all-time series. Ole Miss won the last meeting 5-0 in 2016 at the Ole Miss Softball Complex.

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