April 22, 2008

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University softball did not like the fact that another team won the 2007 SWAC softball championship on their field last year. This year they plan on making something different happen.

Southern (25-16, 13-4 SWAC) won their fifth straight Western Division crown and received a first round bye. The Lady Jags will be playing the winner between tournament host Prairie View A&M University and Alcorn State University on Thursday at 1:00 pm.

Leading the way for the Blue and Gold during the season is sophomores Brittany Hymes and Jasmine Williams. Hymes batted a team leading .386 in 26 games. The Addis, Louisiana native enjoyed her best season on "the bluff" yet totaling 16 runs, 34 hits, 12 RBI's and nine stolen bases. The 2007 second team All-SWAC honoree enjoyed a 19 game hit streak during the season that stretch from February 10th vs. Norfolk State to April 12th versus Grambling State. Jasmone Williams had her best season of her career hitting .340 for third place on the team. Hailing from Carthage, Texas Williams scored a team high 27 runs, while being tied for first in hitting with 36 in 37 games of action. She also added seven RBI's, four triples, a team leading five homeruns and 28 RBI's. Williams finishes the season ranked in five different categories in the conference and is rank 20th nationally in triples per game.

Bethune-Cookman transfer Lanaya Jenkins has led the way for SU on the mound this season ending with a team leading 10-3 record and a 2.56 era. Jenkins saw time in 17 games with 11 started. The Seattle, Washington native completed nine games and totaled two shutouts, 84.2 innings pitched, 51 strikeouts and an opposing batting average of .212.

"We are ready for a chance at another championship," said head coach Nancy Marshall.

Southern hasn't won the championship trophy since the 2003 season. During that year they defeated the Lady Panthers to capture their second SWAC title.

The 2008 SWAC softball tournament will take place April 23rd through the 27th in Prairie View, Texas on the campus of Prairie View A&M University softball field. For more information on the tournament and ticket prices please call 936-261-9106.