SERIES INFORMATION

When: Monday, Feb. 1, 2016

Game Times: 2 & 4 p.m.

Where: Stephenville, Texas | TSU Softball Complex

Records: Tarleton 0-0, 0-0 LSC | Texas A&M International 0-0, 0-0 HC

Tarleton Probable Starters: Freyman (0-0; 0.00) | Hedrick (0-0; 0.00)

TAMIU Probable Starters: Thompson (0-0; 0.00) | Capello (0-0; 0.00)

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An 'underdog' is defined as a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.
 
The 2015 TexAnns were underdogs in the truest sense of the word when the NCAA Regional Selection Show declared Tarleton the No. 8 seed in the top bracket of the South Central Regional playoffs last season. Their first task: an evening bout against the defending National Champion West Texas A&M Lady Buffs on their home field in Canyon.
 
Underdog? Maybe a little.
 
But no one told Tarleton that it wasn't supposed to win that game – or the next two after that to claim the regional championship and advance to the South Central Super Regional Series for the first time in school history.
 
With 13 players returning, including eight lineup starters and two pitching starters, Tarleton will step out of the underdog role and back into its role of contender – which is a role that 20^th year head coach Julie Mata and her 540 career wins is much more comfortable playing.
 
"Last year, we wanted to bring back the pride and winning tradition to this program and those girls certainly did that," said Mata. "They don't really think much about being underdogs or whatever, they express themselves really well. They are really a lot like me, Mark (Cumpian), and Stefanie (Phillips) in the sense that we're just thrilled to start a new journey in 2016."
 
The eight returning starters – nine if you include pitcher Haley Freyman, who started every game of the postseason – is the most carry-over for a Tarleton team since the program began in 1996.
 
It also makes a major statement to the nation, as was proven when the TexAnns received their highest national ranking in school history in the preseason poll released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Tarleton boasts the highest preseason rankings among Lone Star Conference schools.
 
"I don't believe we've ever had that many starters back and certainly not a team that clicks as well as this one does," said Mata. "They fire on all cylinders because they love playing the game. They are a true team and they enjoy representing Tarleton State University."
 
The TexAnns will boast a slew of key seniors, including 2015 all-region honoree Katelyn Conlee. Fellow seniors Melody Mayse, Taylor Fitzgerald, Rebeka Allen, and Lauren Powers will join her for their final seasons in 2016. Tarleton will return a starter at every position on the field, except first base.
 
In the circle, Tarleton will return Freyman and Shelby Hedrick. The TexAnn duo dominated the opposition in the regional tournament a year ago as Freyman started every game and Hedrick closed them out, including the 2-1 win over West Texas A&M with a looking strikeout of Kaisha Dacosin. Tarleton also has Alyssa Ringhausen and Conlee on the staff with pitching experience, while first-team all-LSC catcher Nyka Wood returns to handle the pitching staff from behind the dish.
 
Also returning for Tarleton is Savannah Stech at third base, Delaney Wayland at shortstop, Mikayla Stogsdill at second base, and Kaitlyn Thomas in the outfield.
 
Despite losing just a couple of key contributors from a year ago, Tarleton will turn to newcomers Amanda Conner and Avery to step in right away and contribute. Conner comes to Tarleton after a standout high school career at Lovejoy High School while Mullendore joins the TexAnns after helping Blinn Junior College reach the national tournament a year ago.
 
"I have so much fun coaching these ladies and working with this coaching staff," said Mata. "We are working toward excellence and just true joy of the game and in team. It's a win-win scenario, so the anticipation to get going is at a high level."
 
Tarleton will open the season at home against Texas A&M-International tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.