D2SS: The Weekend

Spring is in full swing, literally, as the postseason races in softball and baseball begin to heat up. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started.

Softball regional rankings released: Teams from D-II South Nation are well represented in this week's poll. Valdosta State is one six Gulf South Conference teams represented in the South Region this week, as the Lady Blazers top the list at No. 1, with Alabama-Huntsville sitting at No. 2. Other GSC teams in this week's regional rankings are Arkansas-Monticello (No. 4), West Florida (No. 5), West Alabama (No. 9), and Ouachita Baptist (No. 10).

North Georgia (37-0 as of April 9) is not only the top team in the nation, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), it's also tops in the Southeast Region, says the NCAA Division II Softball Committee. The Saints have plenty of company though, as four other teams in the Peach Belt Conference; Armstrong Atlantic State (No. 3), Augusta State (No. 4), Francis Marion (No. 6), and Flagler (No. 9) made the regional rankings as well.

Baseball rankings: Southern Arkansas sits on top in both the Collegiate Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association polls going into this weekend's action. In the former poll, Columbus State is one six teams from the Belt that made this week's rankings. The Collegiate Baseball poll is here, while the NCBWA rankings are here.

The big match-ups

NOTE: All times are local to home team.

Baseball

UNC Pembroke (26-9, 11-7) at GC&SU (24-10, 12-3)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Bobcats play host to the Braves in a key intra-divisional PBC match-up.

Valdosta State (29-11, 7-2) at North Alabama (19-17, 3-3)--Saturday 1 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

Alabama-Huntsville (22-10, 3-3) at West Florida (26-13, 7-2)--Saturday 2 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The top four teams in the Gulf South Conference East Division square off in a pair of critical series.

Softball

GSC Crossover at Decatur, Ala.

All 13 GSC teams are competing at this event, which started Thursday, and ends on Sunday.