TO READ THE FULL PREVIEW, CLICK ON THE "TRINITY SOFTBALL SEASON OPENER" LINK
 
Trinity University Softball is back and ready to rock and roll for opening weekend against Howard Payne and Concordia (TX)
 
The Tigers are coming off of a 15-28 season and an SCAC Tournament appearance. Trinity started the season with a rocky beginning but picked up a much-needed win over the then-18th-ranked UMHB Crusaders. The Tigers would finish off their schedule going 10-10 in conference play and shutting out Texas Lutheran for the first time. Although the Tigers would fall to the Bulldogs later in the tournament, there were bright spots. Returning in the circle is right-hander Jordan Arce (Thousand Oaks, California / Thousand Oaks). Arce pitched to the tune of 101 innings and a 4.23 ERA. She gained much momentum in the conference tournament which leads fans to believe that she is set to be the workhorse for this Tiger pitching staff. Also returning for Trinity is senior catcher Dawson Dabboussi (Dallas, Texas / Highland Park) who finished with an insane .398 batting average and .950 OPS. Look for Dabboussi to add power to the middle of the Tiger order this season. Newly elected Head Coach Bailey Wittenauer and Assistant Coach Jazmyne Cortinas bring lots of offensive knowledge and aggressiveness that should help a lineup that struggled with consistency last season.
 
Preview - Back on the Dirt
 
The Tigers start their 2024 campaign with a double-header on Saturday, February 10th against Howard Payne with the first pitch slated for 2:00 PM. The team will then travel to Austin to take on Concordia (TX) in a double-header on Sunday, February 11th starting at noon.
 
On the Howard Payne Jackets: Howard Payne is coming off of a 15-24 season. The offense was there, as the Jackets hit .340 and hit 60 doubles. However, the Jackets struggled to get on via the walk. Howard Payne had a .379 on-base percentage and only drew 64 total walks. The Jackets lost their top three hitters from last season, all hitting above .350. All time, the Tigers are 9-4 against Howard Payne.
 
On the Concordia Tornadoes: The Tornadoes were a competitive team last year, sporting a 19-20 record. Concordia started the season hot but quickly cooled off as they went 10-17 against ASC opponents. The Tornadoes underachieved offensively, hitting .287 as a team and three home runs. Concordia could run the bases, though, going 134-151 on stolen base attempts in 2023. In their 33 games played, TU is 17-16 against Concordia. 
 
Coach Speak
 
"I'm excited for this team to hit the ground running with an extremely competitive schedule," said Head Coach Bailey Wittenauer. "We are lucky to return a bulk of our starting lineup from last season while adding a talented freshman class, four of which are pitchers. This team is talented and itching to take the field"
 
Looking Ahead - Best Show On… Turf
 
The Tigers will have their 2024 home opener against the Tigers of East Texas Baptist on Saturday, February 17th.