The Owls (19-18, 7-3 Atlantic 10 Conference) kick off a four-game weekend with the opener of their weekend set against St. Louis (17-17, 5-5 A-10).

Temple enters Friday’s game, the first of two against the Billikens, 3-3 in their past six games. The game will be a challenge offensively and for the pitching staff.

The Billikens sport two of the better pitchers in the conference in freshman Laney Kneib (9-5, 2.64 earned run average) and freshman Brianna Lore (8-12, 2.76 ERA) and the staff has allowed just 11 homeruns this season.. Temple counters with the three-four combination of junior shortstop Sarah Prezioso and junior catcher Stephanie Pasquale.

On the flip side, St. Louis boasts the best base stealer in the A-10. Senior outfielder Jessica Buschjost has swiped 22 bases in 24 attempts, and has scored 18 runs this season. Freshman Kelsey Dominik, who pitched Wednesday against Monmouth, is the only Owl with a sub-4.00 ERA, but only one Billiken is hitting more than .300 this season.

Friday’s game begins at 3 p.m. First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for noon.