Bulldogs Face Missouri State in Key Conference Series

Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back at home after dropping five straight games.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:30am

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Louisiana Tech's baseball team returns home this weekend to host Missouri State in a key Conference USA series at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. The Bulldogs have dropped five straight games and are looking to get back on track, while Missouri State also sits at 3-6 in conference play. Louisiana Tech will lean on strong performances from sophomore leadoff hitter Elena Heng and senior pitcher Allie Floyd as they try to gain ground in the standings.

Why it matters

This conference series is crucial for both teams as they try to climb up the C-USA standings. Louisiana Tech has struggled offensively during its recent skid, and a strong showing at home could help get the team back on track. Missouri State also needs wins to stay in the hunt, making this an important matchup between two teams looking to turn their seasons around.

The details

Louisiana Tech enters the weekend with a 17-15 overall record and a 3-6 mark in C-USA play. The Bulldogs have managed just five runs total during their five-game losing streak. Sophomore Elena Heng has been a bright spot, hitting .429 and recording a hit in 26 of the team's 32 games. In the circle, senior Allie Floyd has a 2.57 ERA over 92.2 innings pitched. Missouri State is also 3-6 in conference play, with key hitters like Riley Baber (.351, 4 HR, 18 RBI) and Lauren Rowland (.314, 3 HR, 19 RBI) leading the way. Pitchers Emily Koranda (7-7, 2.54 ERA) and Makenzi Swick (3-3, 4.60 ERA) will take the mound for the Bears.

  • The series begins on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
  • The second game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
  • The series finale is set for Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The players

Elena Heng

A sophomore leadoff hitter for Louisiana Tech who is batting .429 and has recorded a hit in 26 of the team's 32 games this season.

Allie Floyd

A senior right-handed pitcher for Louisiana Tech who has a 2.57 ERA over 92.2 innings pitched and has surpassed 550 career innings.

Riley Baber

A key hitter for Missouri State, batting .351 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs.

Lauren Rowland

A Missouri State hitter batting .314 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs.

Emily Koranda

A Missouri State pitcher with a 7-7 record and 2.54 ERA.

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What they’re saying

“We must get back on track this weekend and take care of business at home. These conference games are crucial, and we're looking forward to the challenge of facing Missouri State.”

— Josh Taylor, Head Coach, Louisiana Tech

What’s next

The winner of this weekend's series will gain valuable ground in the Conference USA standings as the regular season winds down.

The takeaway

This key conference matchup between Louisiana Tech and Missouri State is an important opportunity for both teams to bounce back and improve their positioning in the C-USA race. The Bulldogs will need to rediscover their offensive rhythm at home, while the Bears look to continue their strong individual performances on the mound and at the plate.