Softball 3/4/2013 2:02:00 PM Robert Carnes/Sports Communications

Softball Returns Home to Face Jacksonville State Wednesday

ATLANTA — After concluding the early season tournament schedule, the Georgia State softball team returns home for a midweek non-conference game against Jacksonville State (11-8) on Wednesday, March 6 at the Robert E. Heck Softball Complex.

The Panthers (12-8) have played Jacksonville State a total of 41 times. Not only is this one of the longest rivalries in program history, it is also one of the closest. Georgia State narrowly leads the all-time series between the two teams 21-20.

At the start of last season, GSU actually trailed in the series against the Gamecocks, but won both sides of a doubleheader 4-2 and 5-3 in Jacksonville, Ala.

GSU was scheduled to face JSU earlier in the season at the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament, but the game was canceled because of weather. The Panthers finished the Phyllis Rafter Memorial with a 1-3 record, while Jacksonville State went 2-1.

Georgia State enters the contest after having registered a 4-1 record at the USF Under Armour Invitational during the last weekend. The Panthers earned wins against Central Connecticut, Western Michigan, Kent State and Stephen F. Austin before having a six-game winning streak snapped with a loss to St. Joseph's.

The Gamecocks finished with the same 4-1 record at their most recent tournament, the Woo Pig Classic in Fayetteville, Ark.

With another home run in during the Under Armour Invite, Paige Nowacki moves closer to the school record. The senior has eight homers on the season and 28 in her career. She needs only four more home runs to tie the record of 32.

Callie Alford had three home runs and 11 RBI during the USF tournament. The sophomore now leads the team in batting average (.344), doubles (5), RBI (19) and slugging percentage (.703).

In the circle, the Panthers are led by Kaitlyn Medlam (6-3) and Katie Worley (5-4). Both pitchers have made 10 starts, thrown over 50 innings and struck out more than 40 batters.

Following the Jacksonville State game, Georgia State softball will have two weeks off to prepare for a trip to face No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The Panthers defeated the defending national champion Crimson Tide last season 5-1.

www.GeorgiaStateSports.com

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Players Mentioned

#23 Paige Nowacki: IF; 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R

#24 Kaitlyn Medlam: P; 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R

#8 Callie Alford: 3B/C; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

#15 Katie Worley: P; 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#23 Paige Nowacki
: 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R
: IF

#24 Kaitlyn Medlam
: 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R
: P

#8 Callie Alford
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: 3B/C

#15 Katie Worley
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R
: P