Texas State Game Notes

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Friday afternoon marks the season opener and the first day of the CenturyLink Classic for the Texas State softball team. Due to inclement weather and a change of the schedule, the Bobcats will now have their season-opening first pitch at 3:15 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Originally, the contest was scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
 
The Bobcats welcome four teams, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Southern Illinois, Ball State, and Stephen F. Austin, to San Marcos this weekend for the CenturyLink Classic.
 
A link to the tournament page with updated schedule and live stats links can be found here. Any updates or changes in the schedule will be found at the tournament page.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi finished the 2013 season with an 11-39 overall record as a member of the Southland Conference. Junior utility player Lindsey Lyles was named Preseason Second Team All-SLC for the Islanders. The Islanders, who only lost one to graduation last season return 12 letterwinners from a year ago and welcome seven newcomers along with the additions of Assistant Coach Keith Stein.
 
After posting a 37-17 overall record in 2013, the Ball State softball program enters the 2014 season with an 854-915-4 (.483) all-time record in 39 seasons of play. Ball State has won four Mid-American Conference regular season titles (2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013), two MAC Tournament championships (1998 and 2010) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament twice (1998 and 2010).
 
SIU returns 14 letterwinners, including seven position starters and two pitchers from the 2013 squad that went 25-27. Southern Illinois was been picked fourth in the 2014 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Salukis received the coaches' fourth-place pick with 63 votes while Northern Iowa was picked as this year's preseason favorite.
 
Stephen F. Austin shortstop Elizabeth Arana is among the top returning softball players in the Southland Conference, as she was recognized on the 2014 All-Southland Conference Preseason Softball Team. Arana earned first team preseason honors and is SFA's top returning position player after hitting .399 last season and driving in 25 RBI. Arana had a fielding percentage of .977 and was named All-SLC First Team after last season. The Lady Jacks finished the 2013 season with a 16-32 overall record.
 
On Friday and Saturday, the Bobcats will recognize high school players and coaches for High School Day. All high school players and coaches who call ahead at 512-245-2272 will receive $3 tickets for all day admittance to the tournament.
 
For fans unable to attend, live stats and live video will be available at txstatebobcats.com.