KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville softball team opens play Thursday evening in the Lone Star Conference Showcase hosted by Midwestern State in Wichita Falls when it faces top-ranked West Texas A&M at 5 p.m.

The Javelinas (6-18 overall, 1-5 LSC) will play six games in four games playing every team in the LSC with the exception of Angelo State. Three of the Javelina opponents – West Texas A&M, Texas Woman's and Midwestern State – are currently ranked or receiving votes in the most recent NFCA national poll.

After opening against WT on Thursday, the Hoggies will play Tarleton State at 1:30 p.m. and No. 17 TWU at 6:30 on Friday. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Kingsville will meet the host Mustangs, who garnered 10 votes in the most recent poll, at 11 a.m. and Cameron at 4 p.m. The Javelinas will close out the weekend versus Eastern New Mexico at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Entering the weekend, Angelo State (20-7) and Midwestern State (17-9) lead the league at 5-1, while West Texas (23-2) is second at 4-2. Texas Woman's (17-6) and Tarleton (11-15) are both 3-3 in the conference, while Cameron is 2-4 in the LSC and 13-8 overall. Eastern (7-15) is 1-5 in the LSC.

Bailey Offill and Carynn Gonzales lead the Javelinas with averages of .310 and .290. Offill, who has 10 RBI, leads the team with 16 runs scored from the lead-off slot. Gonzales leads the way with a .405 on-base percentage and has 12 base on balls. Adela Gomez, Valerie Ramirez and Taylor McGill each have 11 RBI.

On the mound, Ariel Kellogg, who leads the league with 10 relief appearances, and Carlie Clark have combined for five wins. Defensively, Taylor McGIll is tied for the top spot in runners caught stealing with 10.

For more information live stats on all LSC Showcase games visit http://msumustangs.com/sports/2014/3/10/SB_0310144544.aspx?id=850,