Murray State
Northwestern State
Racers to Begin Season at South Alabama Invitational
2/6/2025 4:23:00 PM | Softball
Murray State will face Northwestern State, South Alabama, and UAB.
Dates (Times): February 7 (9 a.m. CT, 4:30 p.m. CT), February 8 (9 a.m. CT, 11:30 a.m. CT)
Event: South Alabama InvitationalÂ
Site (Venue): Mobile, Ala. (Jaguar Field)
Opponents: Northwestern State Lady Demons, South Alabama Jaguars, UAB Blazers
Streaming: ESPN (South Alabama game only)
Live Stats: GoRacers.comÂ
ÂThe Murray State Racers travel to Mobile, Alabama, to kick off a season-opening tournament that will see them face off against the Northwestern State Lady Demons, South Alabama Jaguars, and UAB Blazers. Â
ÂThe Racers enter the 2025 season after posting a 24-30 record last season with a 10-16 record in Missouri Valley Conference play. They will look to replace several key contributors from a year ago, with a bevy of young players looking to step up in the new season. Â
ÂScouting the Racers
Bre Haislip looks to continue to be one of the leading pitchers in the MVC in 2025. Last season, the junior posted the sixth-best ERA in the MVC at 2.44 and allowed the least earned runs out of all qualifying pitchers in the conference. Â
Â2024 saw Kayleigh White impact the game both from the circle and at the plate. As a freshman, White made ten pitching appearances and posted nine strikeouts while posting a batting average of .259 and having 35 hits. Now a sophomore, White looks to play a major role for the Navy & Gold both offensively and defensively.Â
ÂSenior Erin Lackey looks to be an anchor for the team yet again after starting all 54 contests in 2024 and being second on the team with 15 RBIs. With 137 total starts throughout her career, the Clarksville, Tenn. native will be a key piece for the young team.
ÂThe Racers will feature five freshmen: Karlye Graber, Katy Huels, Emmerson McKinnis, Kenley Minor, and Hannah Sutton; and a deep bullpen that includes Alyson Smith, Bre Haislip, Raylee Roby, Ava Ozment, Kayleigh White and Graber. Â
ÂThe Competition
Northwestern State went 19-31 in 2024 with a 5-18 record against Southland Conference opponents, good for eighth in the conference. The Lady Demons did not qualify for their conference tournament but wrapped up their season with a 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.Â
ÂSouth Alabama is coming off of a successful season that saw them post a 34-20-1 record with a 16-8 record in Sun Belt Play. After being eliminated in the second round of the Sun Belt Championship by Texas State the Jags appeared in the Gainsville, Fla.  Â
ÂThe Blazers finished their 2024 season with an overall record of 23-29 and a record of 14-13 in American Athletic Conference contests. They wrapped up the regular season winners in two of three against East Carolina in Greenville, N.C. However, the Pirates got their revenge in the AAC Tournament, ending the Blazers' season with a 4-0 win in Wichita, Kan. Â
ÂTOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Site: Jaguar Field (Mobile, Ala.)
ÂSOUTH ALABAMA INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
Gm 1 - Thu. - South Alabama vs. UAB* - 5 pm
Gm 2 - Fri. - Murray State* vs. Northwestern State - 9 am
Gm 3 - Fri. - UAB* vs. Northwestern State - 11:30 am
Gm 4 - Fri. - UAB* vs. UIC - 2 pm
Gm 5 - Fri. - South Alabama vs. Murray State* - 4:30 pm
Gm 6 - Fri. - South Alabama vs. UIC* - 7 pmÂ
Gm 7 - Sat. - Murray State vs. UAB* - 9 am
Gm 8 - Sat. - Northwestern State* vs. Murray State - 11:30 amÂ
Gm 9 - Sat. - UIC vs. UAB* - 2 pm
Gm 10 - Sat. - South Alabama vs. Northwestern State* - 4:30 pm
Gm 11 - Sat. - South Alabama vs. UIC* - 7 pm
Gm 12 - Sun. - UIC* vs. Northwestern State - 10 am
Â*Denotes team that will occupy the first base dugout. Home Team listed first.
ÂFollow the Racers on Twitter (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics. Follow Murray State softball on Twitter and Instagram (@RacersSoftball).
