ARLINGTON, Texas - Coming off a 5-0 mark at the La Tech Invitational and riding a six-game winning streak, the Wichita State softball team looks to continue its non-conference momentum at the Maverick Invitational. The Shockers play two doubleheaders, starting Saturday with Abilene Christian at 12:30 p.m. 

COMING HOME

This weekend is a homecoming for senior Mauriana Jamele. The Flower Mound, Texas, native is playing less than 45 minutes away from her hometown, with Allan Saxe Field located just 26 miles away from where she grew up. 

HIGHLIGHT REELER

For the fourth consecutive season, Wichita State will have a player who has made at least one SportsCenter Top 10 play in their career. Following the graduation of Mackenzie Wright, who appeared on ESPN for a diving effort against Nebraska in 2016, the Shockers added Marshall transfer Wylie Glover. Glover made a diving catch against James Madison on April 18 that was ranked seventh in top plays that day.  

DON'T COUNT US OUT

When the Shockers have been down to their last out, the party has just gotten started for them at the plate. Wichita State has scored 22 runs with two outs, hitting three out of six of its home runs during that stretch. 

GETTING 'EM AROUND

Senior Laurie Derrico needs eight home runs to move into first place in the Shocker record books. Currently in fourth with 32, if Derrico reaches 40 she will overtake Cacy Williams who played at Wichita State from 2014-16. Derrico has reached double figures in home runs in the previous two seasons. 

FRESHMEN SENSATIONS

Head coach Kristi Bredbenner has been known to have freshmen come in and compete right away. If Bredbenner elected to start true freshman Sydney McKinney in the season opener, marking the fifth consecutive year that a first-year collegiate player is placed in the starting lineup. Junior catcher Madison Perrigan started her first game as a freshman along with senior Laurie Derrico. 

LARGER ROLE 

Neleigh Herring has stepped into bigger shoes so far this season, collecting more hits and more RBI in the first five games of the year than the entire 2018 season. Herring snagged her first career home run in the season opener against Central Michigan, driving in four runs total to give the Shockers the win 6-2. 

STACKED SCHEDULE

The Shockers face off against 12 teams that reached the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Wichita State plays 10 of these games at home, starting the stretch with Prairie View A&M on Feb. 24 in Arlington, Texas. 

DOUBLE DUTY

Wichita State's returning pitchers not only get the job done in the circle, but transfer that success in the batter's box. The Shocker pitching staff combined for 224 at-bats in 2018, combining for 51 hits. 

PITCHING PRESCENCE

The Shockers' six-game winning streak is largely due to strong pitching performances in the circle. Bailey Lange and Erin McDonald pitched shutouts in their starts in Louisiana, with the Shockers only giving up a combined nine runs through that five-game stretch. Caitlin Bingham earned the first conference honor roll this season for the Shockers while McDonald was recently named American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week after combining for 11 strikeouts over the weekend. 

JUST 3 MORE 

Madison Perrigan is just three hits away from obtaining her 100th career hit as a Shocker. The Mustang, Okla., native is currently on a two-game hit streak, hitting .259 on the year while driving in eight RBIs. 

IN GLOVER WE TRUST

Wylie Glover has been one of the most impactful players in the Shocker rotation. After not playing in the season opener, the Marshall transfer has started the last nine games and has hit .500 on the year. Glover also obtained her first career home run against Fairleigh Dickinson, coming home off an inside the park home run. 

KEEP THE HITS COMING 

The Shockers are 6-0 when they come up with eight or more hits as a team.