Around Campus

Softball: Coming Soon

Longhorns’ head coach Connie Clark and the Texas Softball team are gearing up for the 2008 season. On the heels of a season marred by injury, a youthful Texas team is now more seasoned and is poised for a breakout year. Balanced and versatile are two words that best describe the 2008 Texas Softball team. Head coach Connie Clark enters her 13th year on the Forty Acres in 2008, returning 13 letterwinners, including a pair of 2007 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region selections.

The Longhorns made their third straight trip to the NCAA Regional last season and in 2008 they are looking to return to the Women’s College World Series for the fifth time in school history. Headlining the UT club is the Longhorns’ talented pitching staff paced by senior righthander Meagan Denny. Sophomores Erin Tresselt and Torrey Schroeder complement Denny’s power with finesse, while freshman fireballer Brittany Barnhill joins the fold to give UT one of the most talented strikeout pitchers in the country.

Clark’s 35-20 squad from a year ago finished the year ranked 24th in the country, and lost just three letterwinners. Texas’ returners include 2007 NFCA All-Midwest Region selections Loryn Johnson and Tallie Thrasher and 2006 All-Region selection Desiree Williams. Thrasher equaled Williams’ single-season school record in 2007, slamming 12 home runs in her inaugural campaign. Johnson filled in admirably at shortstop when Williams went down with a knee injury, playing 18 Big 12 Conference games without committing a single error.

The Longhorns biggest loss in 2008 is the graduation of Megan Willis, the most decorated catcher in UT history. Clark looks to counter the loss of Willis with a talented tandem of backstops in junior Kacie Gaskin and freshman Amy Hooks. Gaskin and Hooks both add a strong bat to the Texas lineup and both players will split time between the outfield and catcher.

Texas’ Red and Charline McCombs Field will undoubtedly continue to grow into one of the toughest home fields in the country this season with the talent that Clark’s 2008 squad boasts. Last year the Horns ranked seventh in the country in home attendance, averaging 832 fans at their home dates. This season should prove to be every bit as exciting as last year, so get your tickets soon.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 512-471-3333 or 800-982-BEVO or online at TexasBoxOffice.com. Season tickets are $95 for adults and $76 for UT Faculty/Staff. Individual game tickets are available for $8 for reserved seats, $6 for adult general admission and $5 for senior citizens and youth general admission tickets.