Eagle softball ready to get back to playing

TEXARKANA, Texas — After COVID-19 cut all collegiate spring sports seasons short in 2020, Texas A&M University-Texarkana is ready to get back on the field. While COVID ended the Eagle softball team’s year, the young program is on the rise.

“COVID didn’t really affect recruiting because the majority of recruiting is done by that point of the year,” coach Marie Stone said. “Thankfully, COVID didn’t affect our recruiting that much, even though we only played about 12 games. As a team we’re very thankful to get the opportunity to play this year with all the adversity that’s been going on.”

The Eagle softball team is picked third in the Red River Athletic Conference softball coaches’ poll.

“The poll for this year was based a lot on the previous couple of years, since none of us were able to play our season (in 2020),” Stone said.

“It will be very interesting to get going because none of us played each other before our seasons were suspended. We’re really excited just to be out there and playing again.”

With the previous year ended due to the pandemic, all eligible players were granted another year of eligibility. TAMU-T has 20 players on its spring roster, including 12 listed as freshmen.

“We only have two freshmen, who are true freshmen,” Stone said. “All the freshmen who were with us last year got a year of eligibility back and are still considered freshmen, along with the other classes. We have three seniors on our roster, and one is a returning fifth-year senior.”

Senior Jewels Caro and sophomores Lauren Huff and Cassidy Groaning will share the catching duties.

Infielders for Texarkana include Caro at third, Huff, freshmen Alicia Mora, Jade Martin, Hallie Braley, Sierra Mihalov, Patti Swimley and Molly Harrison. Sophomore Erika Richardson is a utility player.

The outfield can consist of a combination of seniors Gracelyn

Spring and Jordyn Logan, junior Dorrie Cormier and freshmen Aiyana Rainwater and Katelyn Slamer.

“We looked really well during our fall season; we were limited but still able to get four games in,” the coach said. “The girls were very excited; we had a lot of energy on the field. The fall is about trying to put it all together and find the right defensive combinations.”

Cormier is joined by freshmen Sierrah Kupihea and Anna Westberry as the projected starters. Lauryn Henson and Cassidy

Lee could help in the circle, also.

“Our pitching staff is going to do a great job; they are also some of our leaders and hardest workers,” Stone said. “We have three main pitchers who will see some time this year. Hopefully, we are able to use all three of them evenly throughout the season. Some of our underclassmen have an opportunity to step up and be leaders, as well.

“Our focus is on us and playing the best level that we can.”

The Eagles begin their season with their annual home tournament, played on Feb. 5-6.