CONWAY, Ark. – SWOSU Softball took a break from GAC play this week, but will continue the conference grind this weekend. Conway is the destination for their series, as they take on Arkansas Tech. A 3:00 pm Saturday doubleheader kicks off the series followed by game three Sunday at noon. 
 
SWOSU heads into the weekend after a midweek doubleheader with the reigning Division II National Champions, No. 2 Rogers State. The pitching and defense showed up in Claremore, only giving up eight runs over two games and losing both by three runs. The bats will need to step up in Arkansas though if SWOSU can break through for their first series win.
 
Arkansas Tech is 19-11 overall and 9-4 in conference play, one game behind in the win column from the four-way stack for first at 10-4 in the GAC. The Golden Suns are on a three-game winning streak, coming from their series sweep of Northwestern Oklahoma State last weekend. They have one of the best pitchers in the GAC on the roster. Bailey Buffington ranks second in the conference in wins (12), era (1.40), and complete games (11). They also have the GAC's top home run hitter, Makenzie Addis with seven, batting for them. ATU has controlled the all-time series, holding a 33-6 head to head record against SWOSU. The Bulldogs last win came in 2018 in Weatherford and their last win in Russellville was back in 2012.
 
Brianna Cryer fared well against nationally ranked competition over the last week. She started it by grabbing a win over No. 13 Harding. Then, she allowed three hits and pitched five straight scoreless innings against No. 2 Rogers State in a close loss. She accumulated two complete games in her last three starts.
 
Offensively, Maddie Rahon stepped up in the Harding series. In the opening two games, she batted 6-8 with two RBIs and a run scored. In the latter two games, Jordyn Wadley had two RBIs and a run scored herself, while batting 5-8. Katie Boline was the top hitter against Rogers State. The second game of the doubleheader, she finished 2-4 with one RBI. The Bulldogs have a couple batters in rhythm for a game, but need to put together more complete team effort at the plate against Arkansas Tech.