HAMMOND - Looking to build on its first SLC series win of the season, the Southeastern baseball team returns to action beginning Friday as it plays host to league rival Sam Houston State in a three-game series at Alumni Field.

First pitch for Friday's opener is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The teams will continue the series at 3 p.m. on Saturday before concluding at 1 on Sunday. All three games can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and worldwide over the internet at www.LionSports.net.

Currently second in the Southland Conference in hitting behind Lamar, Southeastern (13-18, 3-6 SLC) climbed back into contention for its first SLC Tournament berth since 1999 taking two of three games from McNeese State last weekend. The Lions, hitting .298 as a team, have recorded 10 or more hits in their last five games and have two games this season with 20 or more hits.

Randy Roth, who is fourth in the SLC in hitting and third in RBI, leads Southeastern at the plate with a .380 average with three home runs and 30 RBI.. Ryan Spencer, the SLC leader in RBI, follows Roth with a .361 average with six home runs and 37 RBI. Jason Waguespack (.327-2-14) and freshman Steve Clevenger (.317-3-22) are Southeastern's other regulars hitting above .300 on the season with Gary Duhe (.298-2-14), Kyle Ginn (.296-2-14) and Trent Hebert (.282-1-12) next.

Getting the start in Friday's opener for Southeastern will be right-hander Bernard Robert (3-3, 2.84 ERA), who is seventh in ERA and fifth in strikeouts (55). The former Central Private School product notched his second complete-game of the season last week against McNeese State, notching a career-high 14 strikeouts and allowing one hit past the first inning.

The Lions will then send senior left-hander Rodney Story (3-3, 5.02 ERA) to the mound on Saturday with senior Risley St. Germain (1-3, 4.68 ERA) slated to start on Sunday.

SHSU (11-18-2, 4-5 SLC) enters the weekend in sixth place in the SLC standings, one game ahead of Southeastern and two games out of second place. The Bearkats finished in a 6-6 deadlock on Tuesday against nationally-ranked Texas A&M after taking two of three last weekend against Texas-San Antonio.

Dustin Martin leads SHSU at the plate (.333-0-9) with Isaias Garcia hitting .319 and paving the way in the league with a league-high eight home runs. Ryan Trevino (.306-4-20) and Karl Krailo (.305-3-21).

The home teams have taken advantage of the matchup as Sam Houston State swept the series last season in Hunstville. The Lions completed a dramatic three-game sweep in 2003, highlighted by a pair of walk-off grand slams in the final two games.

Students receive Free admission to all home baseball games. Call the Lion Ticket Office for further information at 985-549-5466