The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports

SCHLOPY

The Georgia softball team plays host to Mercer (30-20) in the team's last non-conference game today at the University Softball Stadium.

The Bulldogs (37-19, 10-12 SEC) say they are looking to gain momentum going into a three-game series at Kentucky this weekend.

"I think weekday games allow us to get our timing down for the weekend," third baseman Alisa Goler said. "That's what the game will be, is a build-up for the weekend."

The Bulldogs have had two days of practice since returning home from Mississippi State, where they dropped two of three games over the weekend.


"I think [Tuesday] we had a great practice, which is what we needed, and everyone seems really relaxed," freshman Taylor Schlopy said. "We're just going to go out and fight."

Tuesday's practice allowed Georgia to work on improving, but also to have some fun.

"Everyone was playing and laughing, which is what we need," Goler said. "It's been a little too long since we've had that, and it was good to see it again."

The series with Mercer marks the last time the Bulldogs will play in Athens until the regular season finale against Alabama May 3-4. Senior outfielder Victoria Sanders hopes to take advantage of the home crowd.

"It's amazing just to have the fans behind you cheering you on and yelling your name," Sanders said.

The Bulldogs are 27-6 at home this season, with Mercer posting a record of 11-8 on the road.

In the all-time series history between the schools, Georgia holds a 10-0 advantage, taking two games 3-0 and 9-1 last year at Mercer. The teams last met in Athens in 2006, a doubleheader in which the Bulldogs recorded 5-0 and 8-5 wins.

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