February 03, 2005
The No. 23 Texas A&M softball team will open the 2005 season on Friday at 3 p.m. against North Texas at the Aggie Softball Complex.
The Aggies also opened the 2004 season against North Texas, twinning the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
"The entire team and staff are excited to begin the season," A&M head coach Jo Evans commented. "The players have worked extremely hard and are ready to put it all together on the field. We have a great mixture of talent, experience and youth that we feel can result in a championship season for Texas A&M softball."
Evans enters her ninth season at the helm of Aggie softball after being named the Big 12 Coach of the Year last season. Evans' Aggies posted a 33-22 overall record, a 13-3 conference record and a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The Aggies return seven everyday starters from a lineup that led the Big 12 in offensive production in 2004. Headlining that group are five all-conference performers from a year ago including centerfielder Sharonda McDonald (Houston, Texas), the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, shortstop Adrian Gregory (Livingston, Texas), catcher Nicole Robinson (Kingwood, Texas) and outfielders Jana James (Mesquite, Texas) and Rocky Spencer (Katy, Texas).
With the loss of three seniors from last season's squad the Aggies welcome in four highly touted freshman including two pitchers. Right-handers Amanda Scarborough (Magnolia, Texas) and Megan Gibson (Spring, Texas) along with infielder Jamie Hinshaw (Missouri City, Texas) and infielder/outfielder Jami Lobpries (Wharton, Texas) will look to make an immediate impact on the field and in the lineup.
Parking will be free for Friday's game directly across the street from the Aggie Softball Complex in the Olsen Field parking lot. Overflow parking will be available at Reed Arena.
Fans attending Texas A&M softball home games this season will for the first time be able to listen to AggieAthletics.com's audio broadcasts inside the Aggie Softball Complex on the radio.
The broadcasts, which begin 15 minutes prior to first pitch, will be available on the low end of the FM dial and will be able to be heard in the stadium and up to approximately one mile away.
AggieAthletics.com is scheduled to bring fans live play-by-play of over 30 games this season on the internet, both home and away.
Live stats will be available on AggieAthletics.com.