LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- After playing ten games on the road to start the season, the Bellarmine University softball team will finally get a chance to play on their home field as the host two double headers this weekend against Ashland University on Saturday and then Ohio Dominican University on Sunday.

It has been a baptism by fire for Bellarmine (5-5) this season as the have battled the two teams ranked No. 1 and 2 in this week's National Fast Pitch Coaches Association as the Knights dropped a 4-2 decision at second-ranked North Georgia, and fell at top-ranked Alabama-Huntsville 4-1.

The young Knights have adjusted well to the collegiate game as freshman Scarlett Powers and Kelsey Hicks have both started all 10 games while Kayla Padgett has started nine. Meanwhile, Alicia Miller has been steady from the circle, owning a 2.64 ERA in five starts.

Junior Madi Ratliff has been a pleasant surprise for the Knights early on, batting .385 on the year with one home run and six RBIs. Last season the third basemen from here in Louisville batted .259 from the plate with 16 RBIs and 11 runs scored.  Ratliff has also become more disciplined at the plate as she has already drawn five walks on the year after earning 11 all of last season.

Ashland returns a veteran core from last season's 33-19 (21-7 GLIAC) squad including the entire infield and pitching ace in senior Emlyn Knerem. Saturday's double-header will be the season opener for the Eagles who are coming off two straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Eagles will also be led by seniors Alyssa Kelley and Bri Woody who combined for 66 RBIs and six homers last year.

The Panthers of Ohio Dominican went 2-2 to open their season at the UAH Charger Chillout including a 4-0 loss to North Georgia. It marked a huge step forward for a program in only their second season in Div. II.  Senior first basemen Kylee Crislip, who hails from Louisville, Ohio, will look to guide the Panthers into the weekend series after racking up 42 RBIs during her junior campaign.

First pitch for both series is slatted from noon at Knights Field on campus at Bellarmine.