Jags picked 2nd in RRAC softball Preseason Poll, get 1st place votes
WACO – The Red River Athletic Conference announced its preseason softball poll on Friday.
UHV was picked to finish second and picked up two first place votes. Defending RRAC champion Our Lady of the Lake is the preseason favorite in the conference with seven first place votes.
"We're excited about the opportunity we have this season," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz, who enters her 11th season at the helm of the program. "Our team has worked hard this season and wants to compete for a conference championship."
The Jaguars (28-18 in 2023) return all but two players from last year's run to the RRAC Semifinals, including 2023 All-RRAC first team selections Cameron Cowan, Claire Blinka and Kenzie Chambers, as well as second team selection Madysin Leighton.
Cowan posted a 17-6 record with a 2.40 ERA, and earned three RRAC Pitcher of the Week honors last year as she became the program's all-time shutout leader (14). Her 17 wins last year tied the fifth-most in a single season with Lauren Garza's 2009 mark.
Leighton led the team in batting average (.379) and run scored (35) a year ago. She and Chambers combined for 67 stolen bases. Blinka was the team leader in RBIs (45) and doubles (13) during the 2023 season.
UHV opens the season against Central Baptist at the LSU Alexandria-Louisiana Christian Tournament on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. The Jaguars home opener against St. Thomas (TX) is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m.
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