April 27, 2007

Updated Weekly Release
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 871-5475

MEMPHIS - The opportunity for the University of Memphis softball team to reach the Conference USA Tournament has grown slimmer, but the possibility still remains. Despite being ninth in a league that only brings the top six to the tournament, Memphis still controls its postseason destiny with only six games remaining in the regular season.

The Tigers (29-23, 4-12 C-USA) look to keep its tournament dreams alive in a three-game conference series with UAB (29-24, 10-10) at home on Saturday and Sunday. Memphis will host a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at the UM Softball Complex. The two teams will then complete the series with a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m. Memphis will then conclude the season with a three-game home series with UCF next week.

Mathematically, the only C-USA team to clinch a tournament spot thus far is Houston, a team that is assured at least a second place finish. Houston can clinch the regular season championship with one win against East Carolina.

If Memphis wins all six of its remaining conference games, the Tigers are guaranteed at least a seventh place finish. The Tigers can get into the top six by winning all six of its games and two of the following happening:

1. UTEP loses two of its final six games against UCF and Tulsa.
2. Southern Miss loses three of its final six games against Tulsa and East Carolina.
3. Marshall loses all three of its final games against Houston.
4. UCF loses one of its three games against UTEP.
5. Tulsa loses five of its final six games against Southern Miss and UTEP.
6. East Carolina loses all six of its final games against Houston and Southern Miss.

After finishing its last 10 games 3-7, the Tigers' RPI has dropped to 77th with a strength of schedule ranked 78th. UAB is currently fourth in the conference and has a RPI ranked 47th and a strength of schedule ranked 27th. The Blazers have splits their last 10 games and are coming off of two victories in a three-game set with Southern Miss.

Memphis now ranks 54th in the country in home runs per game with a .83 average, having blasted 44 dingers this season. The Tigers rank third in that category in the conference. Leila Dolfo is 31st in the nation in doubles per game and is second in the league with 17, while Bridgette McNulty is 17th in the country in walks per game and third in the conference with 38.

Live stats and live audio are available for all three games. Live stats can be accessed through Gametracker and live audio through Memphis All-Access or CSTV All-Access with Daniel O'Brien calling the play-by-play.

Ticket prices for the game are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and youth ages 7-17. U of M students with their ID card and children under six are free. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium.