The Lady Lions are set to open their 2022 campaign in the Lady Demon Classic held in Natchitoches, LA, February 11-13 against Northwestern St., UT Martin, Chattanooga, and Baylor.

Head coach Michael Bumpers leads the Lady Lions for a fourth consecutive season and is very confident in his group this year.

"We're excited to play. I feel good about the team we have this season," said Bumpers. "The team is gelling really well. They're interchangeable and more athletic this year. If we put everything together, we'll be just fine."

Despite losing a few seniors, UAPB returns over half of their roster from a year ago which should play a key role in the team's chemistry, this upcoming season.

Returning starters Sydney Green & Samaria Jackson will be two key assets that are expected to help the team's success in a major way.

"I believe Sydney (Green) will be our catalyst this season," said Bumpers. "She's our ace, and she'll have more help this season. We'll be relying on her to do a job for us, and the depth of our pitching rotation will support when the time comes. Sam Jackson is a year three starter for this team, and I'm looking forward to her and others who've been a part of this program the last few years to show leadership on and off the field."

Green took the mound in 11 games for the Lady Lions last season, posting a career-high nine strikeouts against Grambling State as her best performance.

Jackson led the team offensively in a few categories last year, including home runs with three. One of Jackson's bombs was a grand slam in the Lady Lions victory over Jackson State.

The first pitch of the season for UAPB is set for 3 p.m. on Friday against Northwestern St. in their first game of the Lady Demon Classic.

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