LEBANON, Tenn. - - The Cumberland Phoenix softball team returns to Mid-South Conference play this week with a road trip to Georgetown, Ky., for a three-game series against Georgetown College on Thursday and Friday.

The series opens Thursday with a doubleheader scheduled for 2 p.m. CT and 4 p.m. CT, before wrapping up Friday with a 1 p.m. CT first pitch at Tigers Softball Complex.

Cumberland enters the series at 10-14 overall and 3-3 in Mid-South Conference play. The Phoenix currently sit fourth in the conference standings and will look to continue their recent momentum after taking a weekend series from Bethel and sweeping RV Georgia Gwinnett in a midweek doubleheader.

Offensively, Cumberland has been led by senior third baseman Karley Daughrity, who has been outstanding in conference play. Daughrity is batting .500 with 10 hits, three doubles, and three RBIs while setting the tone in the leadoff spot. Sophomore center fielder Hailey Donato has also been a key contributor, hitting .333 in conference action with six hits, four doubles, one home run, and five RBIs. Junior Elly Castle brings a .317 average into the series with seven hits, one double, and three RBIs, while senior shortstop Abby Chappell is batting .300 with six hits, three doubles, and five RBIs.

In the circle, the Phoenix will lean on a trio of arms. Freshman right-hander Avery Rauscher has posted a 3.50 ERA with a 1-0 record over 14 innings, recording seven strikeouts while holding opponents to a .236 batting average. Senior Madison Croxford has worked 14 innings with six strikeouts and carries a 4.00 ERA. Madison Lancaster has also been solid, posting a 2-1 record with a 5.25 ERA across 14.2 innings pitched.

Georgetown comes into the series with a 10-13 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play. The Tigers have dropped three straight and currently sit sixth in the MSC standings.

The Georgetown lineup is anchored by Ainsley Herron, who is batting .364 with 24 hits, four doubles, nine RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. Michalee Clay adds a .345 average with 20 hits, three doubles, six RBIs, and four stolen bases, while Lilli Koch is hitting .325 with 26 hits, four doubles, and five RBIs.

In the circle, the Tigers are led by Kylie Miller, who owns a 2.60 ERA and a 7-4 record with six complete games, 72.2 innings pitched, and 48 strikeouts. She has limited opponents to a .204 batting average. Addi Watson has also seen significant time, posting a 2-7 record over 51.2 innings pitched.

The matchup has been a familiar one over the years, with the two programs meeting 61 times since 1999. Georgetown holds a 37-24 advantage in the all-time series, though Cumberland has won six of the last 10 meetings.

The Phoenix will look to keep building momentum on the road as they take on the Tigers in an important conference series. Fans can watch the games on the Urban Edge Network or follow along with live stats on gocumberlandathletics.com.