Batesville, Ark. -- Looking to sustain its momentum following an opening-weekend split with #17 Union University, the William Woods softball team heads south for the Lyon Invitational. Four games are on the slate for the weekend, with the Owls opening the schedule against future AMC foe Lyon University at 9 a.m. Friday. The Owls will also take on Ashford University at 1 p.m. Friday, closing out tournament action on Saturday with a 9 a.m. contest against debutants Lindenwood University-Belleville and an 11 a.m. tilt against Central Baptist.

Last Time Out
Behind a solid outing from Lindsey LeCuru (Jefferson City, Mo.) and strong pitching from MacKenzie Bowden (Hartsburg, Mo.) and Becca Schemmer (Huntsville, Mo.) the Owls picked up a split against preseason-No. 17 Union University in the season opener for both teams. LeCuru rapped out a double in the first game and hit 3-of-6 in the doubleheader, with Bowden adding five strikeouts in the complete game win as WWU downed the Bulldogs 2-1. Schemmer struck out four in the second half of the doubleheader, but the hosts were able to overcome a two-run William Woods lead in the bottom of the seventh.

Quick Look - Lyon
Today's game is the season opener for the Scots. Lyon returns five contributors from last year' 22-27 (13-17 Trans South) squad, although four of the top five offensive threats moved on. Sarah Knudsen was the teams second-best hitter last season, posting a .320 average and a .387 OBP. Although much of the consistency departed the team, Knudsen and fellow returners Erica Whitaker and Kaitlyn Patterson accounted for 12 of the team's 18 HR in 2011, with Whitaker a threat on the basepaths as well, stealing 14 bases in 15 attempts.

Lyon returns two pitchers from last year's squad as well, with Tara Mitchell and Hanna Pinegar accounting for 185.0 of the 316.1 innings pitched by the Scots on the year. Although Mitchell pitched the most innings of anyone on the Lyon staff in 2011, she also allowed the most HR (12) and 2B (35) on the year. Pinegar and Mitchell allowed opponent batting averages of .367 and .357 respectively last year.

Quick Look - Ashford
Returning just four players from last year's squad, Ashford posted a 10-22 (9-13 MCC) record on the 2011 campaign. Among the returners is Stephanie Hebison, who led the Saints with a .316 batting average through 28 appearances. She notched 14 RBI on the season, collecting 10 walks as well. Kendra Roth and Nicole Woodard were also contributors to the Saints offense, posting batting averages of .282 and .175 respectively on the year.

Roth and Woodard also saw time in the circle for the Saints, with Roth earning a 3-8 record with one save in 16 total appearances. She posted a team-low 3.18 ERA and held opponents to a .291 batting average, allowing 8 HR on the year. She struck out 42 batters and issued 24 walks on the season. Woodard saw limited time in the circle, with 12 appearances totaling 34.0 IP. She posted a 0-6 record, allowing opponents to hit at a .373 clip. She struck out only nine batters, issuing 16 walks and giving up six HR on the year.

Quick Look - Lindenwood-Belleville
This is the first year for Lindenwood University-Belleville's softball program. A member of the USCAA, the Lynx have recently added softball among a number of sports.

Quick Look - Central Baptist
Central Baptist is the only other team that has seen action prior to this weekend and will be a stout test for the Owls. Ranked no. 4 in the preseason NAIA Coaches poll, the Mustangs bring a 5-1 record into the weekend's action. Three hitters for CBC are carrying batting averages of .500 or better (minimum 5 AB) on the young season, led by Erica Gunter's .571.  Gunter has already recorded a team-high 10 RBI on the year, including 2 HR and three doubles. Jessica Tickle and Christen Kirchner are also solid at the plate with averages of .556 and .500 respectively. On the basepaths, the Mustangs are a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts.

Jessica Bock has been solid in the circle for CBC, hurling three complete games in a total of 19.0 IP. She has struck out 25 batters and allowed just four walks en route to a 0.37 ERA. She has been nearly unhittable, allowing just seven hits against 70 batters faced on the year. Jessica Sheldon hasn't been far off, posting a 1-0 record with a 0.95 ERA in 7.1 innings pitched.