Blue Raiders head to War Eagle Classic

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee softball looks for more success as they travel to play four games at the War Eagle Invitational in Auburn, Ala. this weekend. The Blue Raiders match up against Auburn on Friday before facing off against Winthrop, Purdue and Austin Peay to round out the three-day tournament.

Middle Tennessee dropped both games of its home-opening doubleheader against the Memphis Tigers on Sunday. Senior Martha Davis was a bright spot for the home team smacking two home runs and five RBI on the day. The Signal Mountain, Tenn. native has now hit a homerun in each of her last three games.

"We are seeing the symptoms of a very young team and we have to get over our growing pains," said Nevar. "We have the talent to win a lot of ball games and get on a roll."

Auburn comes into game with a 11-1 record and riding a seven-game winning streak dating back to February 10. The Tigers have already picked up two victories over Sun Belt foes, wining 5-3 over Western Kentucky and 3-2 against Troy. Myesha Finney leads the Tigers with a .371 batting average, four homeruns and 12 RBI. The pitching battery is equally stellar, posting a combined 1.43 earned run average, with 110 strikeouts and 26 walks.

"We have to get over the hurdle of that first win this weekend," said Head Coach Sue Nevar. "We will have great competition but it is time to step up. We have to get the offensive and defensive part of our games together at the same time."

The Blue Raiders last appeared in a Auburn-hosted tournament in 2006 when they went 1-4, including a pair of tough one-run defeats. Middle Tennessee has posted a combined 32-23 against their opponents for this weekend.

Game time for the Friday contest against Auburn is set for 5 p.m.

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