Stephen F. Austin
Abilene Christian University
'Jacks Head to Abilene for a Series Against the Wildcats
4/20/2023 6:25:00 PM | Softball
Stephen F. Austin vs Abilene Christian
Dates/Times: April 21st @ 6 p.m., April 22nd @ 12 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Livestream: WAC International Friday and the second game Saturday, ESPN+ for the first game Saturday
Location: Abilene, Texas
Field: Poly Wells Field
Series: SFA leads 15-12
ABILENE, Texas- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks will make the trip over to Abilene for a three game series against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Game one will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, and they will wrap up the final two games on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
A Look at the Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks currently sit at 21-19 overall, and 9-6 in conference play, good for third in the WAC. The 'Jacks are led by Mackenzie Bennett with her team-leading .347 batting average and Gaby Garcia and her staggering 14 home runs, 9 doubles, and 1.047 OPS. Along with being a terror in the box, Garcia leads the team with 32 RBI's. Camryn Middlebrook brings speed on the basepaths, with 12 stolen bases, good for a tie with Madison Nguyen for second on the team. Middlebrook is enjoying a strong season at the plate as well, batting .313 with 14 walks. She also leads the team in OBP, reaching base at a .416 clip. Mallory Webb leads the team with 14 stolen bags this season.
On the mound this weekend for the Lumberjacks will be the duo of Alexis Telford and Brooke Gainous, both of whom have been impressive to say the least this season. Telford sports a 2.82 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, while Gainous is not far behind, with a 3.15 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Telford has recorded 60 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched while Gainous has only surrendered 18 walks, both very solid numbers.
A Look at the Wildcats
The Wildcats come into this series with the Jacks at 11-31 overall, and 6-9 in WAC play. The Wildcats are coming off a series win against UT Arlington and look to continue that momentum into this weekend. The Wildcats are led by their offense, with six players hitting above .290 on the season and four hitting above .300. Avery Miloch leads them with a 1.066 OPS, 13 home runs, and 30 RBI's, all of which are first on her team. Sammie Shelander leads the Wildcats in average (.339) and walks (21). On the pitching side, Talia Nielsen is the team's ace, sporting a 4.91 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. The Wildcats look to give the Lumberjacks a run for their money on Friday and Saturday.
