After two consecutive weekends at home, the WKU Lady Topper Softball team is on the road once more for seven straight away games. Five of those will be played this weekend in Knoxville, Tenn., as part of the Tennessee Tournament hosted by the Lady Volunteers.

The Lady Toppers (13-6-1) started the tournament on a hot note, defeating Holy Cross in five innings 9-1, and Campbell 2-1 on Friday.

WKU’s Saturday opponent, Tennessee (15-1), is currently ranked second in the nation behind fellow SEC member Florida. The team was number one in the nation for a brief period of time before the Gators jumped over them in the polls. UT suffered its first defeat of the season a week ago at the hands of BYU.

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“It’s a big name; a big team,” coach Amy Tudor said. “(They’re) nationally ranked and always a contender for the World Series. I think that’s that big hype game.”

Other teams in the tournament include Georgia Southern (13-5) and College of Charleston (12-7).

Although Tennessee is the big name one the weekend, Tudor said the team needs to be ready for all the teams.

“I think we have to be prepared for everyone,” she said. “I think if we can get our pitching and hitting on the same page we’ll come out OK this weekend.”

The Lady Toppers’ marquee matchup will be the big game against Tennessee at 2 p.m. The team will wrap up the tournament Sunday against Georgia Southern at 8 a.m. and College of Charleston at 10:30 a.m.