STEPHENVILLE – Fresh off securing the first postseason invitation in Tarleton State University's Division I Athletics history, Tarleton Softball is ready to return to the diamond for the spring season of 2023 which begins on February 9 in College Station.
 
"Obviously, last year was a lot of fun. Competing in the NSC Tournament gave our team a unique experience and the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the country," said head coach Mark Cumpian. "As we look ahead to the spring, we have a lot of things to be excited about again.
 
"We have a great group of returners and several great additions that provide us quality depth at almost every position," he continued. "Our schedule will be challenging, but I'm optimistic that our team will be ready for the challenge as we continue growing the Tarleton Softball program into a Division I contender."
 
Tarleton will open the season on Thursday, February 9 at the Texas A&M Invitational with the first-ever meeting against Texas A&M. The Texans and Aggies will take the field for the season opener at 4 p.m. on Davis Diamond. The Texans and Aggies will play twice during the opening tournament as part of five scheduled games for Tarleton, who will also see Michigan State, Northern Kentucky, and Texas A&M-Commerce.
 
The Texans will then return home for eight straight home games to debut their renovated stadium.
 
For the first time in Tarleton Softball history, reserved seating will be offered as part of the new covered stadium seats in Stephenville. Renovation is expected to be completed in the coming months ahead of the Feb. 15 home opener against Prairie View A&M. The eight-game homestand will also feature the second season of the Tarleton Invitational, welcoming Creighton, Akron, Northern Colorado, and Commerce to Stephenville, and wrapping with a single game against North Texas on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
 
Tarleton will also take part in tournaments at UTEP and a shared tournament with Oklahoma State and Tulsa. Two games in Tulsa on March 3 and the final three in Stillwater on March 4-5.
 
The Texans will host 27 games at home this season, including key games against the University of Houston (March 10-12), UTSA (March 14), New Mexico State (April 14-15), Sam Houston (April 21-22), and Stephen F. Austin (May 5-6).
 
Tarleton is also now eligible to compete in the WAC Championship Tournament, which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona at Grand Canyon University on May 10-13. The top eight teams in the WAC standings qualify for the postseason tournament.
 
The complete schedule is available at TarletonSports.com. Season tickets will go on sale tomorrow at TarletonSports.com/tickets.