APSU Softball Hosts North Alabama in First ASUN Home Series

Governors look to continue hot hitting at Cathi Maynard Park

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:34pm

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The Austin Peay State University (APSU) softball team returns home to host North Alabama in their first Atlantic Sun Conference home series of the season. The Governors are coming off a midweek victory and look to continue their strong offensive production, led by Brie Howard and Katie Raper, who have combined for 24 home runs this season.

Why it matters

This home series marks the start of APSU's ASUN conference schedule at their home field, Cathi Maynard Park. The Governors have been one of the top power-hitting teams in the nation this season and will look to continue that success against a tough North Alabama squad.

The details

The Governors will open the series with a Saturday doubleheader at 2:00pm, before facing the Lions in the finale on Sunday at 1:00pm. APSU leads the ASUN and ranks 11th nationally with 47 home runs this season, led by Brie Howard's 13 home runs (10th in NCAA) and Katie Raper's 11 home runs (3rd in ASUN, 20th nationally). Emilee Baker and Sammie Shelander have also been key contributors offensively for the Govs.

  • The series begins on Saturday, March 22, 2026 with a doubleheader starting at 2:00pm.
  • The series finale is on Sunday, March 23, 2026 at 1:00pm.

The players

Brie Howard

A key offensive player for the APSU Governors, leading the team and ranking 10th nationally with 13 home runs this season.

Katie Raper

The Governors' second-leading home run hitter with 11 home runs, ranking 3rd in the ASUN and 20th nationally.

Emilee Baker

Paces the APSU Govs and is second in the ASUN conference with 42 hits this season.

Sammie Shelander

Has 8 doubles this season, the 4th most in the ASUN conference.

Alanah Jones

Leads the Govs with 11 wins, 6 complete games, 84.0 innings pitched, and a 2.75 ERA.

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What’s next

Following the series against North Alabama, the Austin Peay State University softball team begins a four-game road stretch starting with a Wednesday 3:00pm game at Murray State before traveling to face Central Arkansas, March 27th-28th, in Conway, Arkansas.

The takeaway

The Governors' powerful offense, led by Brie Howard and Katie Raper, will look to continue their strong start to the season as they host North Alabama in their first ASUN home series. This series marks an important milestone in APSU's conference schedule as they aim to build momentum at their home field, Cathi Maynard Park.