Softball heads to Dillard for HBCUAC series

Wiley University softball travels to Wesley Barrow Stadium this weekend seeking to snap a three-game skid and climb back up the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) standings in a three-game series against Dillard University.

The Lady Wildcats enter the matchup looking to avoid their third consecutive conference series defeat. Wiley currently sits in sixth place in the HBCUAC after dropping two of three games at Voorhees University last week, a series hampered by control issues in the circle as Lady Wildcat pitchers combined for 23 walks and 10 hit batters.

Wiley is coming off a non-conference doubleheader sweep at the hands of the University of Dallas on Wednesday, falling 9-1 and 8-4. Despite the losses, Dyniste Lacy provided a spark, finishing the twin bill 5-for-7 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored while also tossing a scoreless inning of relief.

Miranda Castaneda added a 3-for-4 performance with a double in the nightcap, while Gwendolyn Johnson turned in a multi-hit effort in the opener. Serenity Smith, who handled the bulk of the pitching duties Wednesday with three strikeouts, also flashed her power by hitting her first home run of the season in the second game.

The road ahead remains difficult, as Dillard University enters the weekend in second place in the HBCUAC. The Bleu Devils, last season's conference regular season and tournament runner-up, are coming off a dominant sweep of Talladega College.

Dillard features a potent lineup led by Kyiera Torrence, who carries a team-high .512 batting average and a .610 slugging percentage. Grace Hunter provides the power for the Bleu Devils, leading the squad with 15 RBIs, six doubles, and two home runs, while Jessica Battiste has set the table with a team-best 15 runs scored.

In the circle, the Bleu Devils rely on a two-pronged attack:

• Mary-Elizabeth Landry: 3-3 record with 56 strikeouts in $55 1/3$ innings and a 5.31 ERA.

• Kylie Price: 3-0 record with a 3.89 ERA and 17 strikeouts across 36 innings.

The series serves as a critical litmus test for a Wiley team looking to find its footing and regain momentum heading into the back half of the conference schedule.