Ranked Aggie team visits
2/29/2012 6:54:00 AM | Softball
Sam Houston State softball team faces stern tests this week as the Bearkats play host to Texas A&M at 4 p.m. Wednesday then travel to Austin for a weekend series with the University of Texas.
Both teams are nationally ranked. Facing top teams, however, is nothing new for the Bearkats who already have played five games against ranked opponents this season.
"Anytime that we can challenge ourselves to get better and grow from playing tough teams is the way that you should," Bearkat head coach Bob Brock said.
Texas A&M defeated Sam Houston 7-4 in the pair's earlier meeting in College Station. The Kats took an early 1-0 lead on a Shelbi Tucker home run but gave up seven runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Big innings are an Aggie trade mark this season. Texas A&M has outscored its opponents16-12 in the second and third innings.
The Bearkats are anchored by first baseman Kim Damian. The Angleton native led the Kats to their first win of the season last week against Prairie View A&M when she went 3-for-3, driving in six runs with a double, triple and a grand slam.
Preseason All-Southland player Tori Benavidez is having a solid season so far. The Midlothian native has a batting average of .364, with 12 total hits and an on-base percentage of .371.
"I think we are making a lot of progress," Brock said. "We are going to give 100 percent and A&M always brings out the best in us.We are holding ourselves together and get through this preseason, and in the process, we will get tougher and be ready for conference play."
