HARROGATE, TN - Lincoln Memorial opens a key conference week back at Dorothy Neely Softball Complex on Tuesday, March 31, welcoming Tusculum for a South Atlantic Conference doubleheader with first pitch set for 1 p.m. and game two scheduled for 3 p.m.
The Splitters enter the matchup at 12-20 overall and 4-8 in SAC play, coming off momentum-building back-to-back wins over Newberry. Offensively, LMU has been at its best when setting the table and applying pressure on the bases, and several bats have been consistently producing. Jordann Reagan leads the way with a .341 average and 15 RBI, while Reese Vivrette has scored 27 runs and is hitting .330. Hannah McMeen has been one of the most dangerous power threats in the lineup, slugging .548 with five home runs and 19 RBI, and Kristin Griffin has added pop as well with three homers and 19 RBI. As a team, LMU is batting .281 with 241 hits and 110 RBI through 32 games, and the Splitters will look to keep that recent rhythm going as the calendar turns deeper into conference play.
Tusculum arrives at 12-18 overall and 2-8 in the league. The Pioneers have shown they can be tough to put away, playing a split at Wingate last time out (a 2-0 win before a 12-4 loss), and their numbers reflect a team that can create chances batting .266 with 36 doubles and 10 home runs. In the circle, Tusculum has posted a 3.77 team ERA, and LMU will be looking to win the strike zone early and turn traffic into runs.
History says these games are usually competitive. LMU holds a 20-16 edge in the all-time series, including a 16-6 advantage in SAC meetings, but last year's final matchup went Tusculum's way in an 8-inning decision. With SAC tournament positioning tightening only the top eight qualify Tuesday's doubleheader is a chance for the Splitters to keep climbing and build momentum heading into the heart of the league slate.
First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, with game two to follow at approximately 3 p.m. at Dorothy Neely Softball Complex. Video coverage and live stats will be available through the LMU Athletics website.
