Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders Hold First Practice of 2017
January 19, 2017 | Softball
Texas Tech opens its season Feb. 3-5 at the Century Link Classic at Texas State.
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech softball team hosted its first practice of the spring Thursday at Rocky Johnson Field in preparation for its upcoming 2017 season.
"I think any time that you're able to get your kids around here and there is this buzz with the beginning of the season, I think that's so fun," head coach Adrian Gregory said. "You can see the energy and the enthusiasm from our kids. We are only going to go as far as they'll bring us. For them to be excited and for them to be giddy, it gets us excited."
Texas Tech looks to improve upon its 23-32, 6-12 finish to 2016 with the help of 17 returning letterwinners, nine of which are seniors, and six returning position starters. Senior Kierra Miles, who set the school's single-season home run record in 2016, is one of three All-Big 12 Second Team selections returning along with catcher Susan Welborn and sophomore outfielder Kiani Ramsey.
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Experience in the circle will not be lacking as Gregory returns three talented upperclassmen to lead the pitching staff. Senior Mattison Maisel led the team with 156.0 innings pitched last season and the club's top ERA. Senior Dominique Alcocer, who led the team in wins last season, also returns alongside junior Cheyene Powell.
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Four newcomers enter the fold in 2017. Pitchers Hannah Broseman and Kassidy Scott impressed in the circle during fall camp, while Scott also flashed potential at the plate. Outfielders Raina O'Neal and Michaela Cochran also aim to contribute.
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A challenging schedule awaits the Red Raiders. Tech opens the season Feb. 3-5 in San Marcos, Texas, with five games at the Century Link Classic at Texas State, which features host Texas State, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, Iowa and Abilene Christian.
"We're here to prepare for three weeks from now," Gregory said. "There is really no middle ground. That middle ground was in your offseason and in your preparation for your season, so now it's 'let's go.' We are here to prepare to win starting today."
The Red Raiders stay on the road the next two weekends, first voyaging across the border to the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Feb. 16-19, before heading to the Easton Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala, Feb. 24-26.
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Tech kicks off its home slate with the Texas Tech Invitational March 3-5 as it welcomes UTEP, North Texas, and Wichita State.
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Big 12 play begins March 24-26 when Tech travels to Iowa State. The Red Raiders open up home Big 12 action April 7-9 against Kansas, while also hosting in-state rivals Texas and defending national champions Oklahoma at Rocky Johnson Field during the conference schedule.
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Be sure to follow @TTUSB and @TexasTechAthletics on Twitter, as well as the team's Instagram account (ttusoftball) for the latest updates and information on the 2017 Red Raiders.
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"I think any time that you're able to get your kids around here and there is this buzz with the beginning of the season, I think that's so fun," head coach Adrian Gregory said. "You can see the energy and the enthusiasm from our kids. We are only going to go as far as they'll bring us. For them to be excited and for them to be giddy, it gets us excited."
Texas Tech looks to improve upon its 23-32, 6-12 finish to 2016 with the help of 17 returning letterwinners, nine of which are seniors, and six returning position starters. Senior Kierra Miles, who set the school's single-season home run record in 2016, is one of three All-Big 12 Second Team selections returning along with catcher Susan Welborn and sophomore outfielder Kiani Ramsey.
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Experience in the circle will not be lacking as Gregory returns three talented upperclassmen to lead the pitching staff. Senior Mattison Maisel led the team with 156.0 innings pitched last season and the club's top ERA. Senior Dominique Alcocer, who led the team in wins last season, also returns alongside junior Cheyene Powell.
Â
Four newcomers enter the fold in 2017. Pitchers Hannah Broseman and Kassidy Scott impressed in the circle during fall camp, while Scott also flashed potential at the plate. Outfielders Raina O'Neal and Michaela Cochran also aim to contribute.
Â
A challenging schedule awaits the Red Raiders. Tech opens the season Feb. 3-5 in San Marcos, Texas, with five games at the Century Link Classic at Texas State, which features host Texas State, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, Iowa and Abilene Christian.
"We're here to prepare for three weeks from now," Gregory said. "There is really no middle ground. That middle ground was in your offseason and in your preparation for your season, so now it's 'let's go.' We are here to prepare to win starting today."
The Red Raiders stay on the road the next two weekends, first voyaging across the border to the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Feb. 16-19, before heading to the Easton Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala, Feb. 24-26.
Â
Tech kicks off its home slate with the Texas Tech Invitational March 3-5 as it welcomes UTEP, North Texas, and Wichita State.
Â
Big 12 play begins March 24-26 when Tech travels to Iowa State. The Red Raiders open up home Big 12 action April 7-9 against Kansas, while also hosting in-state rivals Texas and defending national champions Oklahoma at Rocky Johnson Field during the conference schedule.
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Be sure to follow @TTUSB and @TexasTechAthletics on Twitter, as well as the team's Instagram account (ttusoftball) for the latest updates and information on the 2017 Red Raiders.
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