STEPHENVILLE - Tarleton continues its run through a tough stretch of conference rivals as the TexAnns head to San Angelo this weekend for a three-game series against the Rambelles.

This matchup is the third of the final four series of the season, which are slated against four of the top six teams in the Lone Star Conference. MSU and Texas Woman's are both currently ranked in the nation while Angelo State was ranked in the top 25 as recently as last week and Incarnate Word is the reigning LSC Tournament Champions.

Angelo State is also one of five LSC teams in the first NCAA regional poll released Wednesday. The Rambelles are currently No. 7 in the South Central Region while remaining TexAnn opponents, Texas Woman's and Incarnate Word, are No. 3 and 5, respectively.

AT A GLANCE

Records: Tarleton State TexAnns, 22-19 (10-10 LSC); Angelo State Rambelles, 28-14 (13-7 LSC)

Live Stats: Will be available online at AngeloSports.com or on your mobile device at www.sidearmstats.com/angelo/softball/mobile.aspx

Radio: The games can be heard via internet stream at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/angelo.portal#

Video: A live video stream will be available courtesy of AngeloSports.com. For the link, visit http://angelosports.com/showcase/ or go to the Softball Schedule at AngeloSports.com.

PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS

Game 1: Randi Fentress, TSU (12-13, 3.10 ERA) vs Sandra Serna, ASU (17-4, 2.51 ERA)

Game 2: Brenna Hennan, TSU (10-5, 3.80 ERA) vs Mary Kate McKay, ASU (9-9, 4.36 ERA)

Game 3: Randi Fentress, TSU (12-13, 3.10 ERA) vs Sandra Serna, ASU (17-4, 2.51 ERA)

LAST TIME OUT

Tarleton took one out of two from LSC-leading No. 15 Texas Woman's in Stephenville Tuesday. Brenna Hennan pitched her 11th complete game of the season in the series opener, earning her 10th win. In the nightcap, Tarleton's Bailee Mauldin ripped a two-out, two-RBI single to right field to force extras before Tarleton eventually fell in nine innings to the Pioneers 5-4.

SERIES HISTORY

In this series which which is now only 11 years old, Tarleton trails in the all-time series against Angelo State 11-32. The TexAnns are just 4-14 all-time in San Angelo and have won just once in the last 11 meetings against the Rambelles dating back to 2009.

GOING THROUGH THE GAUNTLET

The road to the postseason isn't exactly an easy one for the TexAnns but they aren't backing down from the challenge. Over the final four series of the regular season, Tarleton will play two nationally ranked teams, four regionally ranked teams and the reigning LSC Champions. They earned their first win in that stretch Tuesday against No. 15 Texas Woman's and have lost two of their last five games by a combined two runs.

TEXANNS ON THE RISE
With the season-ending loss of sophomore outfielder Rachel Brownlow, Kelsey Latta stepped into the No. 2 hole of the Tarleton lineup last weekend and was one of several TexAnns who have risen to the occasion of the stretch run. Over the last five games against ranked opponents, Arianna Rodriguez (.583) and Randi Fentress (.500) are each hitting .500 or better with a combined 11 RBIs. Latta in the two hole of the lineup is hitting .400 over that stretch with a .600 slugging percentage while Tanner Pipkin (.364) and Amber Clifford (.333) are both hitting above the .300-mark with a combined nine runs scored.

MAYSE EYEING TARLETON TRIPLES RECORD

Freshman outfielder Melody Mayse is currently leading the Lone Star Conference in triples (7) this season and she is currently on pace to top Tarleton's all-time season mark for three-baggers - 9 set by Kelli Gayle in 2007.

PITCHING IS THE KEY

Tarleton and Angelo State enter their three-game tilt in a tie for fifth in the LSC in ERA. Both the TexAnns and Rambelles each have a 3.55 ERA but the TexAnns are winning the strikeout battle 217-145.

UP NEXT FOR TARLETON

Tarleton will play their final regular season road game of the season as they conclude the regular season meetings with No. 15 Texas Woman's with a 6 p.m. single game in Denton Tuesday.