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JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State softball team will be in action this weekend, when the Gamecocks host Eastern Kentucky in a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at University Field.

The Gamecocks (20-16, 7-6 OVC) and the Colonels (12-28, 6-8 OVC) will get the series underway on Saturday with a doubleheader that begins at 1 p.m. They will conclude the set on Sunday with a single game at 1 p.m. Admission is free to all JSU home softball games.

The Gamecocks look to continue their improved play this weekend, when they welcome Eastern Kentucky to University Field for a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series. JSU, who has won five of its last six games, will attempt to continue gaining ground in the league race as the second half begins.

With 12 league games remaining, the Gamecocks occupy fourth place in the standings. They sit two and a half games out of a second-place tie between Morehead State and Eastern Illinois and three and a half behind league-leading UT Martin. The Colonels, who are tied with Austin Peay for fifth, are also looking to improve their standing this weekend.

Heading into the weekend, the Gamecocks and Colonels have met on the diamond 19 times, with JSU holding a 13-6 advantage in the all-time series. Jax State has won the last five meetings overall and the last seven at University Field.

Junior Sallie Beth Burch has been red hot in league play, posting a .472 average after her 2-for-3 effort in an 8-5 win over Tennessee Tech on Wednesday. The Moulton, Ala., native has lifted her season average to .318, which is third on the team behind seniors Hillary Downs and Chrissy O'Neal. Downs' .345 average ranks 4th in the OVC, while O'Neal is fifth with a .341 clip. Sophomore Kaycee Crow has hit in nine-straight games to raise her average to .276, fifth on the team.

Junior Ashley Eliasson has been the driving force in the circle for the Gamecocks, especially of late. The Vallejo, Calif., native has won her last nine decisions to run her record to 14-7 on the year and 6-1 in OVC play.