Softball opens 2010 season at UH this weekend
2/12/2010 2:21:00 AM | Softball
The 40th season of Bearkat softball begins this weekend with SHSU pitted against two Big 12 teams, a Big 10 opponent and a Conference USA representative.
Sam Houston opens its schedule with five games at the Marriott Houston Hobby Classic Tournament hosted by the University of Houston Friday afternoon.
The Kats will play Kansas at 1 p.m. and Baylor at 5 p.m. on Friday. Sam Houston faces off with Ohio State at 9 a.m. and the Jayhawks agains at 3 p.m. Saturday. Tournament play ends Sunday when SHSU meets the host UH Cougars at 3 p.m.
"You get better by playing good teams and we're excited about the opportunity to take on these Big 12 and Big 10 schools," Brock said. "We have a good mix of experience and youth this year with nine seniors who will provide the leadership and 10 freshmen several of whom will be impact players for us this year. Mix in four sophomores and juniors and you've got a good group who have been working hard."
Sam Houston returns 15 letter winners from last year's team that rolled up a 28-26 overall record and finished sixth in the Southland Conference with a 15-14 mark. The Bearkats finished the season strong, upsetting two higher seeded teams to reach the semi-finals of the SLC post-season tournament.
Starters returning include pitcher/designated hitter Morgan Mikulin, shortstop Hailey Wiginton, first baseman Amy Brown and outfielder Mandy Gegan.
Mikulin and Wiginton both were named to the preseason All-Southland Conference squad selected by the league's head coaches. Brown enters her senior year holding the Bearkat career record for put outs with 1,309.
Other seniors on the squad include catcher Ashley Nelson, infielders Hollie Hatcher and Janaye Richardson and outfielders Lauren BurnsTiffani Woodrum and Amanda Lindsey.
Following the tournament at Houston, Sam Houston State will open its 2010 home schedule with the team's annual grudge match with Texas A&M. The Aggies visit the Bearkat Softball Complex Wednesday Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.
Tickets for Sam Houston softball home games are on sale online now at www.gobearkat.com . Fans also may purchase tickets at the Sam Houston athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
