COMMERCE— The No. 10 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team will open the 2020 season this weekend in Conroe, facing five teams to open the year, including matchups against No. 7 Central Oklahoma and No. 1 Augustana.
 
The Lions are coming off of a historic season that included the team's second consecutive 40-win season, a runner-up finish in the Lone Star Conference and the No. 2 seed in the South Central Region. The Lions hosted the Regional Championship last season, but fell short of their goal of returning to the Super Regional round, something that head coach Richie Bruister feels fueled his returners throughout the offseason.
 
"We have some unfinished business, from where we left off last year," Bruister said. "It left a sick feeling in our stomach. Our girls have been working hard in the offseason and are looking forward to being back on the field playing against some good competition this weekend."
 
The Lions finished the 2019 season as the top fielding team in the nation, and one of the top defensive units in Division II. Three of the team's four gold glovers return and Bruister is looking forward to seeing what his defense can do once again this year, as well as the offense behind it.
 
"Defense wins championships, and it starts in the circle with Emily Otto, our returning All-American," Bruister said. "And then the great defense behind that that led the nation in fielding percentage. They are fun to watch and they make exciting plays. They spark our offense. I tell them that all the time. When they make a great play, our offense gets fired up to go out and score some runs."
 
The Lions also have added new talent that includes seven new Lions. Bruister is excited to see what these new student-athletes bring to the field after seeing them throughout the fall season.
 
"We have some great talent out there that we are looking forward to having our fans see," he said. "We have some good resumes out there and we are very happy that they are with us. We've added another number one pitcher and we've added some depth to our staff as well. We have brought in some good recruits and are looking forward to seeing them."
 
The Lions began the season as the No. 10 team in the nation, and begin their season on Friday with a tough slate of competition. Right off the bat, the Lions will face No. 7 Central Oklahoma, and will also play the defending national champion and No. 1 ranked Augustana, as well as some other tough competition. Bruister knows the schedule will test his team and success will help lead the team where it wants to be.
 
"Our schedule is tough, and we have it that way for a reason," he said. "It gives us the chance to be the number one team in the nation. It gives us a chance to host regionals. When you are in the toughest region in the country, you have to play the best competition in the country. And that's what we've done. I like our team going in. This is one of those tournaments where anybody can beat anybody. You have to show up ready to play and get the job done. Our team has been working hard in practice. We are excited to see what we've got."
 
After the five-game slate in Conroe, the Lions will then return home to host the Best Western Plus A&M-Commerce Invitational, bringing some of the top teams in Division II to Commerce. The Lions will play four games during the tournament, and host an additional five games throughout the tournament. Complete tournament scheduling can be found HERE.
 
Season tickets for Lion Softball are available by visiting WeAreLionsTix.com, calling Lion Sales & Service at (903) 468-8756, or by visiting the LSS Box Office in the Field House during business hours.