The ACU softball team will face off Oklahoma Christian University at home this Friday and Saturday after competing against Texas Lutheran University last weekend.
The ‘Cats won 10-7 in the first game and lost 3-4 in the second game, starting their record off at 1-1 against Texas Lutheran.
Head coach Bobby Reeves was satisfied with the outcome of the games considering the bad weather conditions and it being the beginning of the season. The harsh weather created difficulty for practices, but the Wildcats aren’t letting that stop them.
“I’m OK with the way we played, considering the weather and being the first game for several of our players,” Reeves said.
The Wildcats have brought in four freshmen this year who have helped strengthen the team and have returned five seniors, who will lead the way in ACU’s series this weekend.
The five returning seniors are Madison Buckley, Ashley Nolan, Lyndi Smith, Courtney Flanary and Peyton Mosley.
“It’s hard to believe that I am a senior. It really is,” Smith said. “I feel like it was literally yesterday when I walked up to my first practice but I am extremely excited for my last season of softball and will live it out the best I can. It’s going to be a great year for all of the seniors and I have no doubt that we will finish with a bang.”
Smith has contributed a lot to the team throughout her career at ACU. As a junior she made Second Team All-Lone Star Conference and batted .371 with a team-best of 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Her average was the 15th best in the LSC as she ranked among national leaders in HR and RBIs per game. As a sophomore, she made Third Team All-Lone Star Conference and batted .333 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs.
Coach Reeves is confident in the way the team is pulling together and is looking forward to successful games against Oklahoma Christian University.
The OCU Eagles under head coach, Tom Heath, have six returning seniors and have brought in six new freshmen.
“We are going to approach like any other game, and if we play it one pitch at a time and each player is the best they can be each day, we should have a great weekend,” Reeves said.
“We have always been able to come together and I think it will be no different, if not better, each weekend we play. Everyone is hard working and excited for what’s in store,” Smith said.
Friday’s game will begin at 6 p.m. and Saturday’s games start at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both games will be at Wells Field.
