Sun Belt Conference Softball Preview

The final weekend of regular season play for Sun Belt Conference softball teams is upon us, with still a lot to be decided this weekend.

The top three seeds for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, which begins next Wednesday, May 10, in Troy, Alabama, are all but set, but four teams enter the final weekend within one-and-a-half games of one another for the fourth spot, with the eight and final spot in the tournament field still very much up for grabs.

Louisiana, who is currently 39-6, overall, has won 7-straight, including 22 of their last 23, and 29 of their last 31, has clinched the regular season Sun Belt Conference title.

The Cajuns, who will be the top-seed in the postseason tournament, which will be held in Troy, Alabama next week, has now won 4-straight league championships, including 15 in the 17-year history of softball in the league.

Texas St., who has won 6-straight, is currently 38-11, overall, and 17-6 in league play.

The only way the Bobcats won't be the second-seed in the tournament, and draw a first day bye, is if they get swept at UTA this weekend, while Georgia St. sweeps a series at Georgia Southern.

Georgia St., who is 30-21, overall, and 12-9 in conference play, has nailed down at least the #3-seed.

There is a logjam after those three however, as South Alabama (13-12), Georgia Southern (12-12), UTA (12-12), and ULM (11-13), are all battling for spots 4-7.

South Alabama is at Troy for a two-game series this weekend, while Georgia Southern hosts Georgia St. in a three-game set, UTA hosts three against Texas St., and ULM hosts three against Louisiana.

But those teams, regardless of what happens, are in the tournament.

The big question is who is going to be the 8th team to qualify?

Entering the weekend, Troy, the host school for the tournament, is 8-17, one game in front of Coastal Carolina, who is 7-16.

Troy hosts South Alabama, while Coastal Carolina hosts Appalachian St., who long been eliminated from contention, and is 2-19 in league play.

The Chanticleers swept Troy earlier this year, so they would win any tiebreaker.

So, a lot can happen, but Troy still controls their own destiny, at least.

Your final regular weekend schedule of games is Below:

FRIDAY:

Appalachian St. at Coastal Carolina (DH)
Texas St. at UTA (DH)
Georgia St. at Georgia Southern

SATURDAY:

Louisiana at ULM (DH)
Georgia St. at Georgia Southern (DH)
Texas St. at UTA
Appalachian St. at Coastal Carolina

SUNDAY: