Softball to face No. 3 seed UTSA Thursday
5/6/2009 1:00:00 AM | Softball
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LAKE CHARLES, LA ? Looking to become the fourth No. 6 seed to win the Southland Conference post-season softball tournament championship in the 21-history of the event, Sam Houston State will take on No. 3 seed Texas-San Antonio Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the 2009 edition of the event hosted by McNeese State.
The Bearkats are making their third consecutive appearance in the SLC tournament. Sam Houston has played in eight of the 21 previous post-season events, winning the title in 1988 and 2007.
The 2007 tournament title earned the Bearkats their first ever NCAA softball tournament appearance. Thirteen members of this year's Sam Houston squad played in the 2007 event hosted at SHSU's softball complex. Senior pitcher Brandi Crnkovic was 2007 tournament MVP after hurling 23 consecutive scoreless innings.
Five other starters -- first baseman Amy Brown, catcher Casie Everitt, designated player Morgan Mikulin third baseman Sarah Parich and outfielder Kendra Spivey ? also return from that team.
“Winning the tournament and going to the NCAAs was a tremendous thrill,” Crnkovic said. “Anything can happen at the tournament and we're excited to have another opportunity.”
Sam Houston was the No. 2 seed when the Kats won in 2007 and the No. 1 seed in the 1988 event they also won. In the 13 seasons since the Southland resumed the post-season tournament in 1996, the No. 1 seed has won seven times.
The only No. 6 seeds to win were McNeese State in 2005 and Southwest Texas State in 1989 and 1999.
“We're pretty happy with our draw,” SHSU head coach Bob Brock said. “Getting off to a good start against UTSA, a team we beat at their place earlier this year, will be a key.”
Sam Houston enters the tournament with a 26-24 season record. UTSA stands 27-27 for the year. The Roadrunners won two of three in their series with SHSU in February. Sam Houston won the opener 6-4, then lost 7-1 and 10-6.
Texas State-San Marcos is the No. 1 seed, winning the regular season championship with a 23-6 league record. The Bobcats won the tournament as the No. 1 in 2001 but lost in the event after winning the regular season title in 2002 and 2008.
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
at Lake Charles, LA. hosted by McNeese State University
Thursday, May 7
Game 1 - 11 a.m. - #4 Stephen F. Austin (28-25, SLC 17-12) vs. #5 Texas-Arlington (23-22, SLC 17-13)
Game 2 - 1:30 p.m. - #3 Texas-San Antonio (27-27, SLC 18-11) vs. #6 Sam Houston (26-24, SLC 15-14)
Game 3 - 4 p.m. - #1 Texas St-San Marcos (36-16, SLC 23-6) vs. Game 1 winner
Game 4 - 6:30 p.m.m - #2 McNeese State (29-26, SLC 20-10) vs. Game 2 winner
Friday, May 8
Game 5 - 11 a.m. - Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 3
Game 6 - 1:30 p.m. - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 4
Game 7 - 4 p.m. - Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Game 8 - 6:30 p.m. - Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6
Saturday, May 9
Game 9 - 11 a.m. - Winner Game 8 vs. Loser Game 7
Game 10 - 1:30 p.m. - Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9
If necessary, Game 11 would begin at 4 p.m.
