Suns Look to Bolster Lead in GSC West

League coaches picked Arkansas Tech to finish fifth in the Gulf South Conference West Division softball race this season. It seems as though their crystal ball might benefit from a little Windex. The Golden Suns (25-13 overall, 16-3 GSC) will look to extend their already sizeable lead in the GSC West Division standings this weekend when they host second-place Ouachita Baptist (15-17, 10-7) for a four-game series at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex in Russellville. First pitch on Saturday is set for 2 p.m., while Sunday’s action will begin at noon. Admission will be free.

Click here to follow the games via live statistics from the Arkansas Tech Sports Information Department. Arkansas Tech has won 13 of its last 15 games to surge to the front of the GSC West Division race. The Golden Suns were GSC West champions in 2008 and 2009, but they missed out on the postseason altogether in 2010. Tech is back on top of the league standings for the same reason it has two championship signs on its outfield fence — pitching. The Suns lead the GSC West in earned run average (2.07) and strikeouts (250). Arkansas Tech’s pitching staff is aided by a defense that leads the GSC in fielding percentage (.973). Ouachita Baptist is 3-7 in its last 10 games. The Lady Tigers, who won a school-record 36 softball games last season, are in search of their third consecutive berth in the GSC Tournament. The top four teams in the final GSC West Division standings will join the top four teams in the final GSC East standings at the Gulf South Conference Tournament May 6-8 in Southaven, Miss. After hosting Ouachita Baptist, the Golden Suns will close out the regular season by visiting Delta State (April 22-23) and by hosting Christian Brothers (April 30-May 1) for a pair of four-game series.

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