Familiar faces return to the diamond as Texas A&M softball's starting infield from last year's Women's College World Series run come back and look to anchor another run to Oklahoma City.
"I don't know any coach who wouldn't be happy to welcome back the starting lineup that they had at the College World Series. They're a year older, a year wiser and a year more motivated," head coach Jo Evans said. "Now we understand how challenging and competitive the World Series is. We have a clear idea of what we need to be better at and it is not overwhelming for them to think about the expectations and preparation that needs to take place."
Starting all but three games since she enrolled at Texas A&M, Cuyos has proven to be a steady and reliable shortstop. Cuyos earned All-SEC Second Team recognition for her 2017 performance where she recorded 42 RBI and 43 hits, including nine doubles, a triple, and 11 home runs. For her career, Cuyos has belted 37 home runs, which ranks 10th all-time in program history.
"Kristen has been a player who has shown tremendous power for us. She's been able to hit home runs in big situations. She gets better and better every year. Last year was clearly her best season at shortstop and we're counting on her to do that again," Evans stated. Kristen Cuyos was named to the All-SEC Second Team a year ago. (Photo: Thomas Campbell)
Vidales has been chasing records since her freshman year and is on her way to becoming one of the best offensive players to ever play at Texas A&M. The three-year starter has 51 home runs in her career, ranking third in school history, behind Meagan May (69) and Megan Gibson (56). The senior is 33 RBI away from breaking the career RBI record at Texas A&M and currently ranks in the top 10 all-time in school history in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage and walks.
Her accomplishments haven't gone unnoticed as she earned herself an All-America recognition in 2016 and has been named to the NFCA All-South Region Team three times. Vidales has also been recognized by the SEC six times and was recently named to USA Softball's Player of the Year Watch List.
"Heading into her senior year, I want Tori to relax, enjoy the game and focus on having fun and being in the moment. She clearly has tremendous talent and that has shown the last three years," Coach Evans said.
In 2017, Vidales blasted a team-high 17 home runs, three of which came against Tennessee on May 7, delivering a .661 slugging percentage. The power hitter recorded 46 RBI and led the Aggie offense in runs with 47, contributing to her reaching base in 26 straight games. At first base, she posted a .986 fielding percentage with 400 putouts and 19 assists.
Behind the plate, Walters has started in 174 games in her three-year career. Offensively, the Center Point, Texas, native tallied 51 hits in 162 at bats with 37 RBI and pounded out three home runs and a team-high 18 doubles last season.
The catcher was named to the NFCA All-South Region First Team in 2017 and earned preseason accolades from the SEC head coaches as she was voted to the 2018 All-SEC Preseason Team.
"Ashley makes the pitchers feel relaxed and comfortable and gives them confidence. She's a calm presence behind the plate. She's been comfortable back there for a long time," Evans said of the senior. "I'm very proud of her for fine-tuning her skill set and getting better this offseason." Walters recorded a team-high 18 doubles, which ranks fourth in Texas A&M single season history (Photo: Scott Quintard)
Alderink enters her junior season as one of the most well-rounded players on the field, as described by Coach Evans. The second baseman was named to the NFCA All-South Region Second Team after batting .317 and delivering a team-best 59 hits in 2017.
The Keller, Texas, native has started in all 119 games of her career and currently holds a career batting average of .341. As a freshman, Alderink touched home 58 times, which is third all-time in history.
"Kaitlyn is steady. You know exactly what you're going to get out of her every single day. She has a great disposition. She's confident and very reliable. Although she's known for flying under the radar, if you look at her statistics, she's one of the most consistent players we have on our team. Her teammates love her," Evans said. Alderink and Vidales started every game last season at second base and first base, respectively (Photo: Leon Contreras)
At third base, Sartain started in all 60 games and was a critical component of Texas A&M's World Series run. Last season, she led the squad in batting average with a .350 mark and a team-leading on-base percentage of .446. After blasting 13 home runs and driving in a team-high 49 runs, Sartain was selected as a NFCA Third Team All-American, marking the 38th time an Aggie has been named an All-American and 16th under Coach Evans.
The Aledo, Texas, native came up clutch in the Knoxville Super Regional, hitting the go-ahead three-run homer in game three, allowing the Aggies to punch their ticket to OKC.
Defensively, Sartain registered 47 putouts and 106 assists, while holding a fielding percentage of .956.
"Riley's defense has gotten even better this offseason. She is a great player on both sides of the ball. Her defense is as good as her offense and her offense is as good as her defense," Evans said. "She brings a great work ethic to our team and understands that there are no entitlements. She puts in the hard work, thinks about the game and talks about the game." Sartain's three-run dinger gave the Aggies a 4-3 lead in game three of the Knoxville Super Regional (Photo: Matt Osborne)
With an experienced infield that has proven itself offensively and defensively, Texas A&M has reason to be excited about their 2018 campaign.
The Aggies open the season at home against Houston in the Aggie Classic on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.
