Tigers Set for Opening Weekend of American Conference Play Against South Florida

Friday, March 6

Memphis, Tenn.

3 p.m.

University of Memphis

South Florida

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Tigers Set for Opening Weekend of American Conference Play Against South Florida

Mar 05, 2026 | Softball

Memphis Game Notes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Fresh off a pair of midweek wins, Memphis softball begins American Conference play this weekend by hosting South Florida for a Friday doubleheader and a Saturday series finale.

The schedule change came due to inclement weather expected in the Memphis area during the weekend. All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS

Memphis (7-13) looks to start strong in conference play after securing a pair of one-run wins in a doubleheader against Oakland this past Tuesday.

Ariel Davis sits at .397 on the year, leading the team with a 1.293 OPS, 23 hits, 16 runs, four doubles, two triples, five home runs and 12 RBI. Memphis' leading hitter after Tuesday's doubleheader is Paris Brienesse, who holds a .400 batting average after three consecutive multi-hit games, to go with a team-best five stolen bases.

At the plate, the Tigers are just eight home runs shy of tying their team total of 25 from the previous season, with nine different players sending one over the wall. Memphis has also utilized its subs early in the season, with just three players logging at least 40 at-bats on the year.

Memphis saw a much-needed improvement in the circle during Tuesday's doubleheader with complete game victories by both Avery Stutts and Jericho Tate. Tate's ERA has dropped to 4.50 as she sits with 28 innings pitched on the year and a team-best .257 batting-average-against, while Stutts has become the team's leader in innings pitched (36.1) and strikeouts (13).

SCOUTING THE BULLS

South Florida (17-8) enters its first conference weekend after going 2-3 in the 2026 T-Mobile Crimson Classic, with two wins against Kent State. This weekend will be just the Bulls' third road game of the year, having played their first 20 games in Tampa.

The Bulls boast a high-powered offense, led by junior Alex Wilkes. Wilkes' 11 extra-base hits are tied for the most on South Florida's team and her 29 RBI are good for 20^th in the nation. Freshman Toryn Fulton has also been a key contributor early with 18 RBI on the year, while reigning two-time American Conference Defensive Player of the Year Kathy Garcia-Soto has seven doubles and four triples in her senior campaign.

South Florida's high-powered offense is supplemented by a stout pitching staff and strong defense. In the circle, five Bull pitchers have an ERA under 3.50 and have thrown at least 25 innings. Leading South Florida is Anne Long, who carried a 5-3 record with a 1.20 ERA over 40.2 innings while striking out a team-best 32.

SERIES HISTORY VS. SOUTH FLORIDA

The Tigers currently sit at 4-36 in the all-time series against South Florida and are searching for their first win against the Bulls since 2018.

Last season, Memphis and South Florida met for a three-game series in Tampa, with the Bulls taking all three games.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Single-game tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. Ticket prices will vary based on seat location (standing room only or reserved bleachers).

Tickets will be free for all current University of Memphis students. Up to two fans ages 17 and under will be allowed free admission per paid adult that enters with them. Please note that tickets for children ages 17 and under will be for the standing room only section. Reserved seating tickets must be purchased if adults would like them to have a seat in the bleachers.

As a reminder, fans are not permitted to bring umbrellas into the venue and Tigers Softball Complex has a clear bag policy.

Tickets can be purchased using THIS LINK.

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.