Blue Raider softball set for home opener

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee softball steps on the dirt at Blue Raider Field for the first time this season for a doubleheader against in-state foe Memphis Tuesday afternoon. Opening pitch is set for 2 p.m with the second game to follow at 4 p.m.

"I am excited to open this season's home schedule against Memphis," said Head Coach Sue Nevar. "They are a very good team in a tough conference and return a lot of their starters from last season. I expect a very competitive two games."

The Blue Raiders (0-4) are coming off a hard-fought 3-2 loss in extra innings against 2008 NCAA Tournament participant East Carolina a week ago. Lindsey Vander Lugt was excellent on the mound, giving up just one earned run on four hits in a complete game performance.

"I think our players have made big strides since those narrow losses to Virginia and East Carolina," Nevar said. "We have practiced very well in the past week and I am looking for them to step on the field and have big-time performances."

Memphis (3-3) picked up two home victories over Alcorn State on Saturday. The Tigers outscored the Braves 16-4, including a 10-2 run-rule win in the first game. They return seven starters and 12 of 17 letterwinners to a 2008 squad that finished with a 25-30 record and ninth-place in Conference USA.

"We need to focus on these two games and go for the sweep. Our players are capable of doing that and they need to be on their games with good pitching and hitting," said Nevar.

The Blue Raiders are 1-4 all-time against the Memphis, with the last meeting coming on April 4, 2007 when Middle Tennessee fell 2-1 at Blue Raider Field. Head Coach Sue Nevar is facing the Tigers for the first time in her coaching career.

Follow the action live on GoBlueRaiders.com with Will Rudder providing play-by-play.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.