The Southwestern Athletic Conference will host its 2008 Baseball Tournament at Lee-Hines Field on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. There is a new format this year as the top four teams from the Eastern Division along with the top four teams from the Western Division will participate in the five-day event. It is a double-elimination tournament with the exception of the championship game.
First round competition begins Wednesday, May 14 with the championship set for Sunday, May 18. The championship game will be televised live on ESPNU at 1:00 p.m.
Jackson State has clinched the top seed in the Eastern Division before the end of the regular season with a 18-5 conference record (34-18 overall). Alcorn State is currently in second place with a 13-8 conference record (26-12). The Braves will look to maintain that position as they face Alabama A&M this weekend. Mississippi Valley State is third with a 17-23, 13-10 conference record. Alabama State claims the fourth seed with a 13-20, 8-14 SWAC record.
In the Western Division, Southern University captured top seed honors tallying an 18-6 conference record (26-15 overall). Grambling State (21-23, 15-9 SWAC) is the number two seed followed by 2007 defending SWAC champion Prairie View A&M (21-24, 14-10). Texas Southern defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff two games to one over the weekend to eliminate the Lions and advance to the tournament.
Play will begin on Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be on sale for $10.00 per day and $40.00 for a tournament book. Student tickets are available for $3.00 with valid ID. For more information, visit www.swac.org.
