COMMERCE— The No. 8 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team will host the South Central Regional Tournament, beginning Thursday.
 
THURSDAY, MAY 9
3 p.m. – Cameron vs. Tarleton
5:30 p.m. – Dixie State at A&M-Commerce

FRIDAY, MAY 10
Noon - Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner
2:30 p.m. - Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser
5 p.m. - Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner

SATURDAY, MAY 11
Noon - Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner
2:30 p.m. - Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser (if necessary)
 
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE WEBCAST: lionathletics.com/live
 
The Lions are coming off of the Lone Star Conference championship tournament. The Lions advanced to the LSC Championship game for the first time in program history. Head coach Richie Bruister was proud of the way his team played. They received two excellent pitching performances in a pitcher's tournament.
 
"I'm very proud of Katie and Emily for how they pitched," Bruister said. "They gave our team a chance to win ball games. That's what they have done for us all year. We had great defense behind them. We got some timely hitting in that first game against Angelo to give us the win there. Then against Kingsville, we hit the ball late off of a great pitcher and had some great opportunities but they made some great defensive plays. Unfortunately, we didn't end up with a win in the championship game. But like I told our team, any time we put ourselves in a situation to be able to win a championship, we are doing our job."
 
Earlier today, Emily Otto and Madison Schaefer were named to the D2CCA All-Region team. Otto was named Regional Pitcher of the Year while Schaefer was named to the All-Region second team. Bruister was excited for both players.
 
"For Otto to do what she's done, we've leaned on her all year and she's pitched some great ballgames for us," he said. "She has pitched a lot of shutouts and has given our offense a chance to score enough runs to win. She's been fun to watch and has been very consistent in the circle. We are extremely proud of her. Schaefer, from a defensive and an offensive standpoint has been fantastic as well. It's great to see players from the offense and the defensive side of things win those regional awards."
 
The Lions are the second seed in the region and will host half of the South Central Regional Tournament. The Lions host for the first time in program history and the Bruister is fired up to bring the region to Commerce.
 
"It's great for our region and our area for fans to be able to come out and watch the NCAA postseason," he said. "We have great teams coming in. Every team is good this time of year. Tarleton, Cameron and Dixie State are all great ball clubs. We are looking forward to hosting them in our town. We have an outstanding facility and our administration has been working tirelessly this week preparing to have the best NCAA event in the country. We are looking forward to it. I'm excited to be a part of it. I'm are expecting big crowds. There is plenty of room on the bandwagon if you are not on it right now. Make sure you get your ticket and jump on board because it is going to be a fun ride."
 
With a loaded field coming in, Bruister knows it will take a complete effort to come out on top for the second consecutive year.
 
"Whoever wins this week is going to have a great performance. It is going to take great pitching, great defense, great offense. Everybody is good. You have to be on top of your game and do the little things right to be victorious this weekend. It is going to be some awesome softball at the highest level in the country, in arguably the best region in the country. It is going to be a lot of fun."
 
Tickets to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament can be purchased at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House or by purchase at the gates of the field.