WICHITA, Kan. — After nearly a month of travel, the Newman softball team will play its home opener, hosting Southwest Baptist for a 1 p.m. doubleheader Thursday as part of an exciting homecoming weekend on campus.

The pair of games at the Newman Softball kicks off an action-packed weekend, with the men's and women's basketball teams welcoming St. Mary's for homecoming at Fugate Gymnasium later Thursday night.

SCOUTING NEWMAN

The Jets (2-13) will look to jump back into the win column with a jolt of energy from playing at home. Newman fell in a pair of doubleheaders last week at Northeastern State and Southeastern Oklahoma State.

                Leaders
                Ariole O'Neal-.355 avg., 4 runs, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .613 slg., .512 OBP
                Erin Jankiewicz-.318 avg., 3 runs, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI
                Jensen Cromer-0-5, 4.20 ERA, 4 CG, 35.0 inn., 11 BB, 21 SO

SCOUTING THE BEARCATS

Southwest Baptist (7-3) had a six-game winning streak snapped in the final game at the 8-State Classic last weekend in Arkansas, falling in the final inning in a 1-0 loss to Illinois-Springfield. The Bearcats outscored opponents by an average of four runs over their win streak.

                Leaders
                Jaidyn Mawhinney-.419 avg., 6 runs, 2 RBI, .471 OBP, 3 SB
                Megan Schellert-.400 avg., 3 runs, 1 2B, 7 RBI
                Kacey Ayers-5-1, 1.79 ERA, 5 CG, 1 shutout, 39.0 inn., 6 BB, 35 SO

NOTES

-The Jets and Bearcats have already met twice this season, with SBU earning 2-0 and 7-1 wins at the MSU Round Robin two weeks ago.

-Newman's offense began heating up during its games last week, finishing by pounding out 21 hits in the two games against Southeastern Oklahoma.

COVERAGE

Live statistics for both games will be available at www.newmanjets.com.