COMMERCE— The No. 18 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team will host Eastern New Mexico in a three-game series, beginning with a Friday doubleheader.
 
WHO: No. 18 Texas A&M-Commerce (17-6, 6-3 LSC) vs. Eastern New Mexico (10-7, 6-3 LSC)
WHERE: John Cain Family Softball Complex in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Friday, Mar. 8 at 2:30 & 4:30 p.m., Saturday Mar. 9 at 1 p.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE WEBCAST: lionathletics.com/live
 
The Lions are coming off of a difficult week. The team split a doubleheader against St. Edward's before being swept by A&M-Kingsville on the road. Head coach Richie Bruister took full responsibility for the team's play.
 
"I want to take responsibility for the way our team played," he said. "Even though we have had a great year and are going to have a great year, I didn't have the team prepared. When I talk to our kids about being accountable, holding each other accountable, how can I expect them to do that when I haven't done that? I failed in our preparation to hold them accountable to what we have been doing. Kids who have played for me know how much I preach about the little things and doing the little things right. And I haven't done a good job of that this year. That is a change we are going to see and I'm looking forward to doing that."
 
The Lions now sit at 17-6. Nearing the midway mark of the season, Bruister is pleased with where his team is. He knows the team has its best softball ahead of it, and that is something that has Bruister excited.
 
"I fully believe this is the most well-rounded team that I have ever had," he said. "We haven't played our best softball yet. Not even close. And that's exciting. I'm looking forward to what we are going to be doing out there. When you see us come together, it is going to be great. There will be a lot of smiles out there on the field."
 
Coming off of a difficult weekend, Bruister also saw positives. He feels the team discovered some things about themselves, and that it will serve the team moving ahead in the year.
 
"I'm never happy with losing, but I'm happy it happened at this point, in the way it did," he said. "Don't get me wrong. I hate losing more than I love winning. When you know the team like I do, it's going to make us a stronger and a better team. We are finding our identity right now. I believe 100 percent that we have found who we are and I'm looking forward to that."
 
Heading into the heart of the team's conference season, Bruister is excited with the team he has. He has confidence in their abilities and liked seeing the team respond after a difficult week.
 
"I love our team," he said. "I love our players. I love who we are and what we represent. One of the biggest reasons why is I had some conversations with a few of our kids over the weekend. And they went out there that next game and made those adjustments. They made those great plays. That's what gives me excitement as a coach. To be able to coach players like that, to go out there and respond the way that they did, in extremely positive ways, gives me great satisfaction as a coach. It is challenging yes, but the rewards are much greater. That's why you coach. That's why I do what I do.
 
"I know it seems hard to believe after the week we had, but this is the most excited I have been all year. I can't wait to get out there on the field this week. I know what is about to happen and I am looking forward to showing our team off. And I know those kids are excited to get back on the field and show who they are. It is going to be fun. It is going to be a great ride, so hang on."
 
Tickets to the series against Eastern New Mexico are available by visiting WeAreLionsTix.com, calling Lion Sales & Service at (903) 468-8756, visiting the LSS Box Office in the Field House during business hours or by purchase at the gates of the John Cain Family Softball Field.