CONWAY – After concluding a 10-game homestand that included a pair of tournaments at Farris Field, the University of Central Arkansas softball team will hit the road for a midweek matchup against Memphis, 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Tigers Softball Complex in Memphis, Tenn.

Central Arkansas (11-9) has more than held its own in the all-time series with the Tigers. Memphis holds a narrow 6-5 advantage all-time, but the Bears have won five of the last seven matchups, all of which with head coach David Kuhn at the helm.

MEET MEMPHIS

Memphis (8-9) is coming off a 3-0 showing at the Blues City Classic, including a 5-3 victory over Southland Conference's Sam Houston State. This will be the fifth-straight contest at home for the Tigers who have lost just one contest in Memphis, a 10-7 defeat to SEC-powerhouse Mississippi State.

In just 15 games, Memphis utility player Baylee Smith has racked up a team-high 19 RBIs. 13 of her 21 hits have gone for extra bases including belting four homers.

Mariah Nichols (2-4) has appeared in 13 games this season in the circle for the Tigers. She leads the team by far in innings pitched (45.2) and strikeouts (27).

BEAR TO WATCH

A perfect 12-12 in stolen base attempts, UCA junior Kayla Crutchmer is one of the nation's most prolific base-stealers. She ranks 27th nationally in stolen bases per game.

However, in order to steal bases, you have to get on first. The Tulsa, Okla. native is coming off a 2-4 outing against Missouri State and is part of the top-four of the batting order that went a combined 7-14 in the contest.

As the catalyst to the most potent offense in the Southland Conference, look for Crutchmer to spark a UCA lineup looking to build some momentum before conference play opens up this weekend.

FOLLOW ALONG

For those looking to watch the action, a live stream is available via the Memphis Tiger Network. Live stats are also available for those looking to keep tabs on play-by-play updates. Both links can be accessed at the top of the page. Follow all things UCA Softball on Twitter @UCASoftball and @UCASports.