Texas Tech University Athletics
Bledsoe, James Earn Preseason Recognition
January 04, 2012 | Softball
Jan. 4, 2012
LUBBOCK, Texas - With just over a month until the start of the 2012 season, preseason accolades are already rolling in for the Texas Tech softball program as senior Emily Bledsoe and junior Sandy James were recently honored on the preseason All-Big 12 second team by College Sports Madness.
The two infielders were both named to the postseason All-Big 12 second team a year ago in a vote by the conference coaches. It marked the second-straight year Bledsoe had earned second-team accolades while James was a first-time honoree.
After moving to the top of the order late in the year, Bledsoe finished with career-best .383 average that was just shy of the team high. She added three home runs and 33 RBI while also becoming Tech's all-time doubles leader thanks to 15 on the year.
James, meanwhile, became an immediate impact in the middle of Tech's lineup with a school record 16 home runs that went along with a .352 average and 62 RBI. The Dallas product also led the squad with a .772 slugging percentage and 37 walks.
The pair helped contribute to a Tech offense that finished the year ranked fourth in the country with a .341 batting average, shattering the school record in the process. Tech's offensive output of just over seven runs per game ranked fourth nationally as well.
The Red Raiders report for the 2012 season on Jan. 12 in anticipation of the regular season opener Feb. 9 against San Diego State as part of the Kajikawa Classic held in Tempe, Ariz.
