Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
A&M-Corpus Christi
Players Mentioned
Racers Begin Season At Abilene Christian
2/9/2023 11:27:00 PM | Softball
MSU looks to build on momentum from 2022 season
Dates (Times): Fri., Feb. 10 (10 a.m.; 1 p.m.) Sat., Feb. 11 (10 a.m.; 1 p.m.) Sun., Feb. 12 (10 a.m.)
Event: 2023 Wildcat Invitational
Site (Venue): Abilene, Texas (Poly Wells Field)
Field: Abilene Christian, A&M Corpus Christi, UTEP
TV: WAC International (Friday & Sunday Only)
Live Stats: GoRacers.com
MUR vs. Field: 1-0 (UTEP 1-0)
The Murray State softball team opens its 2023 season Friday at the 2023 Wildcat Invitational in Abilene, Texas hosted by Abilene Christian. The Racers will play five games over three days while in the Lone Star State against A&M-Corpus Christi, UTEP and the host Wildcats.
The Opponents
Abilene Christian went 25-26 last season and went 0-2 at the WAC tournament. Mercedes Eichelberger is the leading offensive returner for ACU, as she hit .329 last season with 16 RBIs and 24 walks. In the circle, Riley White returns after going 7-8 last season with a 5.68 ERA and 24 strikeouts.
A&M Corpus Christi went 25-27 last season and went 2-2 at the Southland tournament. Sydney Hoyt is the leading offensive returner for AMCC, as she hit .285 last season with 26 RBIs and 39 walks. In the circle, Siarah Galvan returns after going 5-2 last season with a 2.31 ERA and 47 strikeouts.
UTEP went 15-34 last season and did not qualify for the C-USA tournament. Lexi Morales is the leading offensive returner for UTEP, as she hit .294 last season with 16 RBIs and 26 walks. In the circle, Aalijah Alarcon returns after going 10-15 last season with a 4.67 ERA and 72 strikeouts.
Notes
• Last season was the best in program history for MSU, winning 40 games, both the OVC regular-season and tournament titles and advancing to a NCAA regional for the first time.
• Murray State finished 2022 2nd, nationally, in team ERA at 1.46. Individually, Hannah James was ninth (1.15), while Jenna Veber was 13th (1.38).
• After winning the OVC regular-season and tournament last season, the Racers left the league and joined the Missouri Valley on July 1, 2022. Despite the move, expectations are still high this season for the Racers as they were picked to finish second by a vote of the league's head coaches. In addition, pitcher Hannah James and infielder Gracie Osbron were named to the 12-player Preseason All-MVC team.
• Murray State is 6-7 all-time in season openers. With A&M Corpus Christi as the opponent for the opener this season, the Islanders will be the 14th different opponent MSU has begun a new season with, never having opened with the same team more than once.
• There will be a familiar face on the other side of the dugout when the Racers take on host Abilene Christian Saturday, as MSU Hall of Famer Jessica Twaddle currently serves on the Wildcats' staff. Twaddle is the only NFCA All-American in program history and was also a CSC Academic All-American and a two-time OVC Player of the Year during her four years in Murray.
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