HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston softball team will open the season with a competitive slate of games, according to the 2023 schedule head coach Garrett Valis has announced.
 
The Kats once again open with the Bearkat Classic which will feature UTSA, Virginia, Delaware, South Dakota State and Northwestern State. Sam Houston plays the Roadrunners on Feb. 9 and the Cavaliers and Blue Hens on Feb. 10, the Jackrabbits on Feb. 11 and close with the Demons on Feb. 12.
 
One of the highlights to the schedule is a home game against Texas on March 14.
 
Season tickets are now on sale and available at GoBearkats.com or by calling the Ticket Office at (936) 294-1729.
 
The Bearkats hit the road to play South Dakota, UT Arlington, North Texas and Kentucky at the North Texas Tournament Feb. 17-19 and travel to face Prairie View on Feb. 21. Sam Houston will then take part on the Houston Tournament with games against Pitt, Illinois, the Cougars and Houston Christian Feb. 24-26 before finally returning home to play Prairie View on March 1.
 
The Kats will play Texas A&M and Baylor at the Baylor Tournament March 4-5 then host Lamar on March 8. Sam Houston will face Northern Illinois and Tulsa at the Tulsa Tournament March 11-12.
 
After the Longhorns come to Huntsville, the Bearkats open WAC play with a three-game series against Grand Canyon March 17-18. They have a midweek game against HCU on March 21 then host Utah Valley March 24-25.
 
Other WAC home series include Stephen F. Austin April 14-15 and Abilene Christian April 28-29. Road series including at Seattle March 31-April 1, New Mexico State April 7-8, Tarleton April 21-22 and UTA May 5-6.
 
The remaining midweek games are at home against McNeese on March 29, at Texas State April 11, home against ULM on April 19 and at Texas on May 3.
 
The WAC Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona May 10-13.