TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee softball is back in action this Thursday, traveling to Tuscaloosa for a high-stakes non-conference doubleheader against Stillman College.
 
First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Stillman Softball Field.
 
The matchup pits two of the top-performing HBCU programs in the South against one another in what promises to be a competitive twin bill between two title-contending teams.
 
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (22-5, 17-2 SIAC)
The Golden Tigers (22-5, 17-2 SIAC) enter the midweek slate riding high after a three-game sweep of SIAC opponent Kentucky State at home.
 
Tuskegee has now won 13 of its last 14 contests and continues to set the pace atop the SIAC standings.
 
The Golden Tigers are averaging 7.0 runs per game and have outscored opponents 206-77 on the season while boasting a team batting average of .333 and a pitching staff ERA of 2.10.
 
Offensively, Tuskegee is led by senior Alexis Thompson, who has been dominant at the plate with a .412 average, eight doubles, three home runs, and a team-best 31 RBIs.
 
Kaeley Roldan (.339) and Carole Ross (.327) have been consistent producers in the middle of the order, combining for 29 RBIs.
 
Caroline Clark has emerged as one of the league's most efficient hitters, holding a .485 average through 16 games.
 
The Golden Tigers have also shown exceptional discipline and speed on the basepaths, swiping 68 bases in 75 attempts.
 
On the mound, freshman Monica Rose has emerged as the team's ace, posting a 12-2 record with a 2.22 ERA in 91.1 innings of work.
 
Rose has struck out 100 batters while walking just 23 and is coming off a no-hitter in her most recent outing.
 
Kamya Hampton provides an excellent complement in the circle, holding a 9-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and 60 strikeouts across 68 innings.
 
ABOUT STILLMAN (27-7, 14-0 HBCUAC)
Stillman comes into the contest as one of the hottest teams in the region, undefeated in conference play and currently on a 10-game winning streak.
 
The Tigers have been dominant at home, boasting a perfect 13-0 mark and averaging nearly 8.0 runs per game.
 
As a team, Stillman is hitting .359 and has collected 345 hits, 53 doubles, 19 triples, and 22 home runs on the year.
 
Lauren Haskins leads the Tigers with an eye-popping .521 average, 61 hits, 8 triples, 7 home runs, 32 stolen bases, and 35 RBIs.
 
Carolyn Carter (.412), Alex Erwin (.395), and Lily Stone (.367) round out one of the most potent lineups in small college softball.
 
The Stillman lineup features six players with at least 20 RBIs and eight with batting averages above .300.
 
In the circle, the Tigers are anchored by a trio of arms led by Faith Byram (9-5, 2.34 ERA), Mackenzie Smith (5-0, 2.08 ERA), and Jasmine Wade (10-1, 3.50 ERA).
 
Together, they've thrown over 200 innings while limiting opponents to a .247 average. The staff has combined for 87 strikeouts and just 105 walks, with opponents scoring 3.5 runs per game.
 
Defensively, Stillman boasts a .958 fielding percentage and has turned 17 double plays on the year.
 
Tuskegee, meanwhile, holds a .928 fielding mark, allowing just 48 errors in 27 games and successfully throwing out 8 base runners on steal attempts.
 
Thursday's doubleheader will serve as a major non-conference test for the Golden Tigers ahead of a return to conference action.
 
Both programs are among the winningest in their respective leagues and will look to build momentum as postseason play approaches.
 
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Softball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.