Sept. 19, 2010
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - In preparation for the 2011 season, the Texas A&M softball team steps back on the diamond Monday afternoon to begin fall practices.
The Aggies, who made their ninth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season, have participated in individual workouts since Sept. 6 and come together as a team for the first time Monday at 3:15 p.m.
"We can't wait to get back on the field as a team," said head coach Jo Evans. "The fall is an important time for us each year because it allows us the opportunity to integrate our new players into the program and really start to build the foundation for our team going into the spring season."
A&M returns 11 letterwinners from a 2010 squad that finished with a 44-16 record to mark the fifth 40-win season with Evans at the helm.
Top returnees for A&M this year include All-American catcher Rhi Kliesing (.365 BA, 62 H, 11 HR, 51 RBI) and Louisville Slugger/NFCA Central All-Region team member Mel Dumezich (1.96 ERA, 19-3).
The Aggies welcome eight newcomers to the roster this season. Junior pitcher Lindsey Sisk also returns from a medical redshirt last season.
The Aggies' eight-game fall slate begins on Sept. 29 with a doubleheader against Navarro and ends with a single game against McLennan on Oct. 12. A&M then plays the annual Maroon and White Series Oct. 19-21.