Lady Raiders Open Season against New Mexico

February 2, 1999

LUBBOCK, Texas - Tech opens the 1999 season this weekend against the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The Red Raiders received 12 votes in the 1999 coaches' preseason poll.

The Lobos are coached by Susan Craig (UNM '70, Record 538-461, 22 years). New Mexico finished the 1998 season with a 23-40 overall record and an 8-24 record in the WAC. The Lobos return nine position players and three pitchers that saw significant action last season. They are led by first baseman Kathy Moore and slugger Danielle Cassara.

New Mexico hold the all-time series record against Texas Tech at 21-6. Last season, Texas Tech won two of its three meetings with the Lobos.

TEXAS TECH (0-0) vs. University of New Mexico (0-0)
February 6-7, 1999
Game 1: Saturday 1 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday 3 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday 10 a.m.
Lobo Field, Albuquerque, N.M.

Tech finishes off strong 1998 campaign
What a difference a year can make. That phrase could sum up last year's Texas Tech softball team. In 1997, the squad went 1-13 in Big 12 play and finished at the bottom of the league race. But things were different in '98 as Tech put together a 10-7 record and finished fourth in the Big 12 Conference race. Though the Red Raiders were denied a berth into the NCAA Tournament in 1998, they were rewarded this year with a #24 final ranking by the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association).

Fastpitch to have new home in 2000
On Friday, January 29, Texas Tech University broke ground on a new softball stadium. The stadium will be Tech's first on-campus softball facility and is expected to be completed in time for the 2000 season. Special guests at the ceremony included; Big 12 Associate Commissioner Dru Hancock, Tech Chancellor John Montford, Congressman Larry Combest; Athletics Director Gerald Myers, Associate Athletics Director Judith Henry, HSC President Dr. David Smith, Head Coach Renee Luers-Gillespie and Tech President Dr. Donald Haragan.

Returning in 1999

The Red Raiders return 15 players from last year's squad that went 45-19 on the season.

Kim Martinez (3B) returns to the lineup after spending last year with the Texas Tech women's basketball team. Martinez was a first-team all region and second-team Big 12 performer in 1997. She led the Big 12 Conference in batting average.

Sophomore outfielder and lead-off hitter Sandy Butler (Tucson, Ariz.) became Tech's first All-American following a first team All-Big 12 selection.

Sophomore pitcher Amanda Renfro (Houston, Texas) who also was named to the All-Big 12 first team. Renfro represented the United States in international competition this past summer in Canada.

Senior outfielder Stephanie Walls (Albuquerque, N.M.), an All-Big 12 second team selection.

Senior pitcher Emily Hayes (Midland, Texas) has led the Red Raiders on the mound the last three seasons.

Senior Jenny Kohler (Oliverhurst, Calif.) returns at second base where she was instrumental both defensively and offensively.

Juniors Paula Workman (Spicewood, Texas) and Tamara Harrington (Broken Arrow, Okla.) each started every game in their collegiate career, anchoring the shortstop and first base positions, respectively. Workman added Academic All-American honors to her list of accomplishments.

Sophomore third baseman Jenny Beach (Belton, Texas) started every game last season and is expected to play all over the field in 1999.

Junior Christina Munoz (Carlsbad, N.M.) will play both left field and center field. Her speed is an asset for the Red Raiders.

Texas Tech University Athletics

Lady Raiders Open Season against New Mexico

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