From Special Reports – Off to one of the best starts in school history, the Troy State softball team has won with stellar pitching this season and it showed in the national statistical rankingsreleased by the NCAA on Wednesday.

The Lady Trojans have a 37-15 record and 7-5 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Troy State’s pitching staff has been vital to its success, racking up 18 shutouts this season.

The pitching staff combined for a 1.34 earned run average which ranked 19th in the nation, through April 14.

TSU is third in the conference behind Florida Atlantic’s 0.90 ERA, placing FAU in fifth and Stetson is tied for the best in the nation at 0.71.

Freshman Ashley Floyd has stepped into the starting rotation and is 39th in the nation in earned run average at 1.11.

Floyd has an 11-4 record and needs three more wins to tie the school record for most wins by a freshman.

Junior Christi Curran has taken over as the closer nailing down four saves at the time of the rankings, tying her for 10th in the nation.

On Wednesday, she tied the single-season school record for most saves in a season with her fifth.

"Our pitching staff has done a solid job for us this season," said Troy State head coach Melanie Davis.

"As a freshman, Ashley has really been impressive.

She stepped up when we had some injuries and has pitched well.

Christi has a closer’s mentality and has is not afraid to come into any situation, which is why she has excelled in that role this season."

The Lady Trojans are in action again on Thursday as they travel to face in-state rival Birmingham-Southern.

First pitch is set for 5 p.m.

Troy State announces baseball schedule changes

The Troy State athletics department has announced two changes to its upcoming schedule.

Troy State’s Atlantic Sun Conference game against Belmont on Friday, April 26, has been moved from a 6:30 p.m. start to a 4 p.m. first pitch. The move was made because the re-dedication of Riddle-Pace Field has officially been scheduled for 3 p.m.

Additionally, the Troy State-Auburn contest at Montgomery,s Paterson Field that was rained out on March 12, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. The ticket prices for the Auburn game include $8 for reserved seats and $5 for general admission tickets.