COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech softball team returns home this weekend for a two-game set against Ohio Valley Conference foe Austin Peay on Saturday.

 

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the second game starting approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.

 

After opening league play with a sweep over Southeast Missouri, the Golden Eagles (9-20, 2-2 OVC) dropped a pair to UT Martin on Sunday, then had a 7-2 defeat on Wednesday at Lipscomb in Tech's final non-conference contest of the season.

 

As a team, the Golden Eagles are hitting .216 with 86 RBI. Aalia Bivens, who has hit home runs against each of Tech's last three opponents, is leading the team with a .346 batting average and is tied for the team lead in homers with Hallie Davis at six.

 

Tech has hit a conference-high 35 home runs and currently ranks sixth in the nation in home runs per game at 1.21. Louisiana, Arizona, UNC Greensboro, Virginia Tech and Michigan are averaging more per game, while 11 teams have more total home runs.

 

In the circle, the Golden Eagles have combined for a team ERA of 4.36 while batters are hitting .312. Danielle Liberatore leads Tech with a 4.28 ERA and a 3-7 record in 13 appearances. She has 42 walks and 90 strikeouts.

 

Leigh Ellen Thomas has a 4.55 ERA and a 4-9 record, along with 11 walks and 39 strikeouts. Taylor Waldrop (1-2, 5.25 ERA) and Kayla Hughes (1-2, 2.62 ERA) could also see action on Saturday.

 

Austin Peay enters the weekend with a 12-18 record, 1-3 in the OVC. The Govs opened OVC play last week with a split against Morehead State, then dropped a two-game set against Eastern Kentucky. APSU split a midweek series against Memphis on Wednesday.

 

As a team, the Govs are hitting .241, have driven in 114 runs and hit 30 homers. Danielle Liermann leads the offense with a .362 average and a team-high 28 RBI, seven doubles and 34 hits. She is tied in home runs with eight with teammate Carly Mattson.

 

In the circle, Autumn Hanners (4-7, 3.66 ERA) and Kelsey Gross (7-6, 5.68 ERA) have been APSU's top duo, with Christiana Gable (1-4, 5.65 ERA) and Sidney Hooper (0-1, 1.83 ERA) providing support.

 

Fans can follow along the action on live stats at TTUsports.com as well as on the team's Twitter feed -- @TTU_Softball. The games are also free to the public.