Softball Begins Fall Schedule [INSIDER]

Texas Softball began its 2013-2014 campaign with the start of their fall ball schedule against Incarnate Word and Odessa College.

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The double header on Saturday had the Longhorns facing the Incarnate Word Cardinals first with Odessa coming immediately after. The Cardinals are in their 1^st season in Division 1 and played Texas well, but ultimately fell 5-1.

In the second game, Texas had no problem against the Odessa College Wranglers, winning 18-0.

Texas hit well across the board, giving all players on the roster an opportunity to bat and play defense. The Longhorns also saw solid pitching performances from junior Gabby Smith and sophomore Holly Kern.

Fall ball games do not follow regular season format and rules. There is no run-rule and coaches can even have players redo at-bats for practice purposes.

These fall games are used for teams to assess new talent during game-type situations and adjust to roster changes moving into the new season. Softball regular season begins in February.

The Longhorns graduated the most successful senior class in their history. They won 188 games over their career at the Forty Acres, the class from 2006, lead by Cat Osterman, came the closest to that total with 177 wins.  P/1B Kim Bruins, OF Torie Schmidt, 3B Taylor Hoagland and P Blaire Luna absences will be missed going into the 2013-2014 season.

Hoagland is the UT all-time career leader in HR, Slg Pct, OBP, Runs, Total bases and Walks. Luna’s Big 12 career numbers rank in the top 5 for wins, strikeouts and shutouts.

Texas will have to rely on their current group of senior to try and repeat the success of last year’s team, which reached the semi-finals of the Women’s College World Series.

SS Taylor Thom, OF Brejae Washington, C Mandy Ogle and 1B Karina Scott will have to shoulder the load as Texas looks to unseat last year’s Big 12 champ OU.

Twelve players return for Texas, 6 of which were starters. The team also welcomes 7 newcomers.

Softball continues their fall schedule against Temple College on Oct. 4.

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