Kats host Texas A&M at softball complex Wednesday
2/16/2010 7:08:00 AM | Softball
The Sam Houston softball team opens its 2010 home schedule Wednesday at 4 p.m. against Texas A&M in a rematch of classic battle at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
Last February, when the Bearkats and the Aggies met in Huntsville, it took 14 innings for A&M to finally squeeze past Sam Houston 2-1. That's the most innings a Sam Houston softball game has gone before a decision.
The Aggies handed Sam Houston 8-3 and 6-1 losses later in the season in College Station, but the 14-inning battle will be a game fans long remember.
Brandi Crnkovic, a senior last year and now a graduate assistant coach for the Kats, and A&M's Rhiannon Kliesing produced an unforgettable pitcher's dual. The former All-Southland pitcher who ranks as Sam Houston's all-time strike out leader remembers the game well.
"Our defense played a great game," Crnkovic said. " We had a great effort. We're looking forward to playing them again."
Kliesing is back again as a junior for the Aggies and has posted a 3-0 record and a 2.72 earned run average in the pitching circle. Texas A&M stands 4-1 after the first weekend of the softball season.
Sam Houston's last softball victory over Texas A&M was a 7-1 win in 1995. The Aggies have won 34 consecutive games with the Bearkats since.
The Bearkats come into Wednesday's game with a 1-4 record that includes an 8-0 victory over Kansas of the Big 12 and a 1-0 loss to Houston.
Sam Houston is led at the plate by All-Southland Conference shortstop Hailey Wiginton who has at least one hit in each of the Kats' five games this year and hit .471 at the Houston tournament this past weekend.
"There were a lot of bright spots in the tournament for us," head coach Bob Brock said. "Playing against the No. 14 and 15 ranked teams in the country was challenging but it was a great experience for our young players."
Following Wednesday's contest, Sam Houston will head to Denton for the North Texas Tournament. The Bearkats will match-up with Colorado State, Arkansas, Drake, Missouri State and North Texas in the event.
Single game tickets for softball at the Bearkat Softball Complex are $6 for reserved seats and $4 for general admission. Purchase softball tickets online now.
For more information about tickets to Bearkat baseball, softball and other SHSU athletic events go online to www.gobearkats.com or contact 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. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
