Softball opens season Friday in San Marcos
2/3/2015 5:36:00 PM | Softball
LINKS TO THIS WEEKEND'S TOURNAMENT ACTION
With a talented quintet of senior starters back to provide the leadership for his team, Sam Houston head softball coach Bob Brock is excited about getting the 2015 season started this weekend in San Marcos.
The Bearkats will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Texas State Bobcats at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tournament in San Marcos Friday through Sunday.
“The team seems to be ready to go and we're looking forward to this weekend,” Brock said. “This group is really coming together. We have some new people in several positions. They played well in the fall. We're eager to get started.”
The Bearkats open the season Friday with a 10 a.m. game against Pittsburgh then go up against Texas State at 3 p.m. The Bobcats and SHSU women meet again Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by a 3 p.m. contest with Northern Illinois. Sam Houston concludes tournament action Sunday with a 9 a.m. rematch with Pitt.
For Brock, the tournament marks the start of his 31st season as a head coach and his 14th year at the helm of the Bearkats' program. Brock ranks ninth among NCAA Division I active softball head coaches in total career wins with 1,074 and has totaled 343 victories at Sam Houston.
Five seniors and a junior who have combined to start in 581 games for Sam Houston since 2011 will provide leadership for the 2015 team.
First baseman Hillary Adams, shortstop Sarah Allison and catcher Tiffany Castillo come into the season ranked No. 1, 3 and 5 in all-time home runs at Sam Houston. Allison and Castillo both are preseason All-Southland picks.
Outfielder Jessica Slater boasts a .312 batting average and pitchers Haley Baros and Meme Quinn have been dependable in the circle during the past three seasons.
“Those six players have carried this team through a lot of games,” Brock said. “We're looking to have Jessica lead off for us in the tournament. Hillary, Sarah and Tiffany are all deep ball threats. Haley and Meme give us solid pitching.”
Brock also looks to several returning players who have play in backup roles in the past and two transfers to step up as starters this season.
“Dani Allen, who came here as a pitcher, had an outstanding fall at second base,” Brock said. “Peyton Webb, a transfer from Blinn Junior College, looks good at third base. Casey Sax, a transfer for Houston, will be a good utility player for us. One thing this team showed in the fall is that we have more depth this year. Every player on our roster has the potential to contribute.”
Joining Brock's staff as assistant coaches this year are Greg Valis and Tori Benavidez.
Valis has been serving as the head coach for the Austin Storm Gold Under 18 team in Austin. Benavidez was a four-year starter for Sam Houston who ranks as the program's second all-time leading hitter with a career average of .358.
“Both Greg and Tori have done a great job getting this team ready,” Brock said. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and success to this program.”
The tournament in San Marcos is the first of three intercollegiate events for the Bearkats during the month of February. Sam Houston will play in the UT-Arlington tournament February 13-15 and the South Alabama Classic in Mobile February 20-22.
Sam Houston will play its 2015 home opener on Tuesday March 3 when the Kats play host to Mary Hardin-Baylor at 3 p.m. at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
Southland Conference action will begin with a road series at McNeese State on March 6-7.
