The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas State
Softball to host fall match-ups against St. Edward’s and Texas State
11.04.2015 | Softball
Longhorns currently own a perfect 5-0 record in fall action heading into this week’s match-ups
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas softball will host a pair of fall contests to conclude the week as the Longhorns will welcome in St. Edward's to Red & Charline McCombs Field on Thurs., Nov. 5, and Texas State on Fri., Nov. 6.
Both match-ups are scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CT first pitch with admission and parking, in any east side lot surrounding the stadium, free to all who wish to attend.
Unfortunately, inclement weather is also in the forecast for Thursday night, so be sure to check into TexasSports.com or the official Twitter account of Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) for updated information about any potential delays, postponements or cancellations.
Concessions, including wine and beer, will be sold at the main stand, including a special promotion $3 "Fall Ball Dog."
In their most recent fall action, the Longhorns knocked off St. Mary's (TX) on Oct. 29, 5-1. Senior first baseman/outfielder Holly Kern was 1-for-1 at the plate with a double, two walks and a pair of runs batted in, while junior pitcher Tiarra Davis was 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and two RBIs. Junior infielder Kelli Hanzel went 1-for-1 at the dish and knocked in Texas' fifth tally of the night during the fourth inning. Senior center fielder Lindsey Stephens, freshman outfielder Reagan Hathaway, sophomore catcher/utility player Randel Leahy, senior outfielder Rachel Scott, senior catcher Erin Shireman and junior infielder Celina Felix all managed single hits in the match-up.
In the circle, sophomore Kristen Clark started for the Longhorns, tossing two no-hit innings with one strikeout. Davis allowed one run on two hits and struck out six over 3.0 frames of relief, while sophomore Paige von Sprecken permitted a single hit while tossing the final two innings to seal the triumph.
Texas also owns fall victories over Howard College (swept a doubleheader on Oct. 2, 9-0 & 6-2), Temple College (Oct. 8, 13-0) and Blinn College (Oct. 15, 19-4)
The final match-up of the fall for Texas will consist of a special slow-pitch Veterans' Day match-up on Wed., Nov. 11, against the Sun City Veterans that will be broadcast live on Longhorn Network at 6 p.m. CT.
Texas returns eight of nine everyday positional starters and 68 percent of its total pitching victories from last season's 38-win squad.
Included among the returnees are five 2015 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Central Region choices in senior outfielder Lindsey Stephens (.343 avg., 25 extra-base hits, 15 HR's, 47 RBIs), senior catcher Erin Shireman (.312 avg., nine doubles, 10 HR's 46 RBIs), junior outfielder Stephanie Wong (.323 avg., nine extra-base hits, 31 runs, 15 RBIs), senior designated player/infielder Holly Kern (.303 avg., 10 extra-base hits, 42 RBIs) and sophomore pitcher Erica Wright (18-9 record, 2.42 ERA, 178 K's in 170.2 innings) as well as junior All-Big 12 Conference shortstop Devon Tunning (.350 avg., 17 extra-base hits, seven HR's, 26 RBIs) and sophomore All-Big 12 newcomer third baseman Randel Leahy (.291 avg., seven doubles, five HR's, 23 RBIs). Additional standouts back for the Horns include senior second baseman Stephanie Ceo (.308 avg., five HR's, 22 RBIs), junior infielder Kelli Hanzel (.275 avg., eight doubles, 22 RBIs) and junior pitcher Tiarra Davis (5-4 record, 3.60 ERA, 52 K's in 58.1 innings).
