LIVINGSTON, Ala. – After blistering West Georgia for 28 runs on 31 hits, the University of West Alabama softball team continues Gulf South Conference action, hosting nationally-ranked Valdosta State on Saturday, April 18 before closing out the 2009 home schedule on Sunday against West Florida.

Prior to Saturday’s contest, UWA will honor its six seniors – Laura Bagwell, Ashley Edgar, Courtney Gordon, Aubree Hudson, Brittany McGee and Emily White.  First pitch is set for Noon at the UWA Softball Complex.

The Tigers (39-10, 11-8 GSC) moved back into contention for one of the four spots in the Gulf South Conference Tournament after sweeping UWG 13-1 and 15-8 on Thursday.  The GSC Tournament begins May 1 in Southaven, Miss.  The top four squads from each division earn a spot in the field to determine the league champion.

With its seven home runs combined in the double dip, UWA has tallied 73 home runs on the season and hitting at a . 344 clip as a team.  Saturday’s battle with No. 7 VSU will pit the top two offensive teams in the GSC against each other.  VSU (43-6, 17-2 GSC) leads the league in hitting with a .380 mark along with bashing 75 home runs on the season.  Andi Braswell paces the VSU line up and the GSC with a .494 clip.

Sophomore Kelli Hartley ranks seventh in the conference with a .400 average at the plate.  The Northport, Ala-second baseman belted her team-leading 12^th home run against UWG on Thursday.  Bagwell looks to continue her torrid hitting since the GSC Crossover two weekends ago. In the last 13 games, the Ragland, Ala.-product is 13-for-34, four of which were home runs and four doubles.  Bagwell has carded 16 RBIs during the stretch and scored 13 times.

Sunday’s home season finale will get underway at 1 p.m.  Live stats will be available on both days at athletics.uwa.edu.