LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama softball will bid farewell to its lone 2016 senior in its regular season finale series against West Georgia this weekend. The Tigers will recognize Lacey Santiago prior to the double-header for "Senior Day" on Saturday as she takes to the field at the UWA Softball Complex one last time.
 
Santiago, a native of Molokai, Hawaii, transferred to UWA prior to the 2015 season from Kansas City Community College. In two seasons for the Tigers she has started in 87 of her 90 appearances. The switch hitter has compiled 55 total hits, 48 runs, 18 RBI's and seven doubles.
 
"Lacey is the heart and soul of this ball club," said UWA head coach Will Atkinson. "It's got to be tough being the only senior, but she has embraced her role and exemplified what it means to be a Tiger."
 
As a leading base running threat for the squad, she has stolen base 19 times, including eight steals in eight attempts this season.
 
While seeing action primarily in centerfield, Santiago has stepped up into roles in the infield as well. She owns a .896 fielding percentage, including .913 as a junior. She has totaled 121 putouts with 77 assists.
 
"We will miss her, but are extremely excited to see what her future holds," Atkinson said.
 
West Alabama enters the Gulf South Conference series 16-30 overall and 6-24 in the league, looking to snap a six game losing skid. West Georgia is 31-22 and 14-16, having lost its last two.
 
First pitch for game one is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at the UWA Softball Complex.