MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Viking softball is primed to defend their SAA crown this season after securing a #4 seed heading into the SAA Tournament.  

The Vikings come into the tournament on their high horse, with their go-to slugger Lauren Cothern earning SAA Athlete of the Year. 

The Vikings begin their quest for another title against the #1 seed Trinity Tigers. The Tigers clipped the Vikings in 2 of 3 meetings in conference play, but the Vikings have their minds on redemption come this weekend.  

With loads of championship level talent and experience, the Vikings come in as a dark horse after dropping three straight games to Rhodes in Memphis this past weekend. For the Vikings to make a run, they will lean on the bats of Elly Bennett, Lauren Cothern, Erica Bennett, and Ava Fouts. All of those batters go .340 and beyond in the batter's box so far this season for Head Coach Meredith Mills. 

In the circle, it has been All-American Ava Fouts carrying the brunt of the load alongside two other talented arms in Megan Rapillo and JJ Sweat. With 21 appearances, Fouts has maintained a 3.76 ERA while producing at an elite level as a batter as well. 

The winner of the Vikings' first round matchup will move on to face the winners of Rhodes and Southwestern's game, while the losers will also compete against each other in the double elimination format.