University of Memphis Athletics
Tuesday, February 18
Memphis, Tenn.
Noon
University of Memphis
vs
Mississippi Valley State
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Tigers Set to Host Mississippi Valley State for Frigid Doubleheader
Feb 17, 2025 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis softball (6-3) looks to rebuild its momentum after a rough performance in the Northwestern State Classic. The Tigers host the Devilettes (1-7) of Mississippi Valley State for a Tuesday doubleheader.
The games are slated for starts at noon and 2 p.m., with Tim Van Horn on the call for the ESPN+ broadcasts.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Memphis comes in to this midweek matchup after playing in the Northwestern State Classic the previous weekend. The Tigers secured one win in their four games played, coming against Northwestern State on Sunday.
The Tigers continue to have a balanced offensive approach with numerous contributors. Outfielders Neely Taylor and Kennedy Semien have led the charge, each recording 14 hits in the first nine games and carrying batting averages of at least .500. Taylor also leads Memphis in doubles (4) and is tied for the team lead in extra-base hits (5) and triples (1). She also comes into Tuesday's games on a nine-game hitting streak. Zoe Adebayo has continued to deliver at the plate with a team-leading three home runs, 13 RBIs and a 1.339 OPS.
Taniyah Brown and McKaylee Polk have also continued their strong production at the plate. Brown carries a .417 batting average and a 1.107 OPS. Polk has recorded nine hits to earn a .333 average. The pair have also accounted for four doubles, one triple and two home runs.
Memphis has continued to see consistency in the circle from the tandem of Taniyah Brown and Rylee Dugar. Dugar currently leads the staff in wins (3), strikeouts (21) and holds a 2.40 ERA. Brown leads the staff with a 2.36 ERA, and has held opposing batters to a .173 batting average. She additionally recorded her first career save in Memphis' victory at Northwestern State.
SCOUTING THE DEVILETTES
Mississippi Valley State enters the matchup on a five-game losing streak, having most recently gone winless in four games during the 2025 Lion Classic, hosted by Southeastern Louisiana.
The Devilettes hold a team batting average of .157, with the team leader being India Ivy. Ivy leads the team in batting average (.238), hits (5) and runs (5). Senior infielder Aulora Edwards has produced four hits and leads Mississippi Valley State in RBIs with four.
In the circle, Madison Bruce has been the primary option for the Devilettes. She has started five games in the circle, recording two complete games and one victory. In 25.1 innings pitched, she has registered a team-leadings 20 strikeouts.
THE SERIES WITH…
Memphis holds a 13-1 record in contests against Mississippi Valley State. The Tigers have not played the Devilettes since the 2021 season, but have won the past seven matchups. In 2021, the Tigers and Devilettes met twice, with Memphis winning both games by scores of 9-0 and 12-0.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The games are slated for starts at noon and 2 p.m., with Tim Van Horn on the call for the ESPN+ broadcasts.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Memphis comes in to this midweek matchup after playing in the Northwestern State Classic the previous weekend. The Tigers secured one win in their four games played, coming against Northwestern State on Sunday.
The Tigers continue to have a balanced offensive approach with numerous contributors. Outfielders Neely Taylor and Kennedy Semien have led the charge, each recording 14 hits in the first nine games and carrying batting averages of at least .500. Taylor also leads Memphis in doubles (4) and is tied for the team lead in extra-base hits (5) and triples (1). She also comes into Tuesday's games on a nine-game hitting streak. Zoe Adebayo has continued to deliver at the plate with a team-leading three home runs, 13 RBIs and a 1.339 OPS.
Taniyah Brown and McKaylee Polk have also continued their strong production at the plate. Brown carries a .417 batting average and a 1.107 OPS. Polk has recorded nine hits to earn a .333 average. The pair have also accounted for four doubles, one triple and two home runs.
Memphis has continued to see consistency in the circle from the tandem of Taniyah Brown and Rylee Dugar. Dugar currently leads the staff in wins (3), strikeouts (21) and holds a 2.40 ERA. Brown leads the staff with a 2.36 ERA, and has held opposing batters to a .173 batting average. She additionally recorded her first career save in Memphis' victory at Northwestern State.
SCOUTING THE DEVILETTES
Mississippi Valley State enters the matchup on a five-game losing streak, having most recently gone winless in four games during the 2025 Lion Classic, hosted by Southeastern Louisiana.
The Devilettes hold a team batting average of .157, with the team leader being India Ivy. Ivy leads the team in batting average (.238), hits (5) and runs (5). Senior infielder Aulora Edwards has produced four hits and leads Mississippi Valley State in RBIs with four.
In the circle, Madison Bruce has been the primary option for the Devilettes. She has started five games in the circle, recording two complete games and one victory. In 25.1 innings pitched, she has registered a team-leadings 20 strikeouts.
THE SERIES WITH…
Memphis holds a 13-1 record in contests against Mississippi Valley State. The Tigers have not played the Devilettes since the 2021 season, but have won the past seven matchups. In 2021, the Tigers and Devilettes met twice, with Memphis winning both games by scores of 9-0 and 12-0.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
1B/C
/ Softball
P
/ Softball
P
/ Softball
3B
/ Softball
UTL
/ Softball
OF
/ SoftballWolfchase Toyota Insider: Softball Edition - May 19, 2025
Monday, May 19
Softball: Trena Prater Press Conference - May 7, 2025
Wednesday, May 07
Softball: Trena Prater Press Conference - May 3, 2025
Saturday, May 03
Softball: Rylee Dugar Press Conference - May 2, 2025
Friday, May 02