Originally posted on Kansan.com on March 25th, 2014. Ran in Kansan in March 26th, 2014 issue.

Kansas softball (24-10) ends its eight-game road span with a game against in-state opponent Wichita State (18-11) today, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. in Wichita. The Jayhawks lead the all-time series with the Shockers 69-17.

Kansas is coming off of a win against eighth ranked Kentucky going into the matchup.  Another motivator for Kansas against the Shockers is that for the third straight week a Kansas player has been honored by the Big 12 conference. This week, freshman catcher Harli Ridling was named Big 12 Player of the Week for her efforts. She led the team with a .480 batting average on 12 hits, half of which went for extra bases. She hit four home runs, two doubles and 11 RBIs.

Wichita State has won its last three games and five of their past seven. They also have recorded 34 stolen bases on 41 attempts. The Shockers’ star slugger freshman utility Paige Luellen has a .411 batting average and has cranked out eight doubles, one triple and six home runs this season, along with 32 RBIs and 22 runs scored.

The matchup between Kansas and Wichita State is the last non-conference contest for the Jayhawks before opening conference play against Oklahoma State this weekend at home in Arrocha Ballpark.