STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The Texans are off to their second-best start in the Division I era after going 4-1 in their first of three home tournaments to begin the season and look to build on it as Tarleton State hosts the Whataburger Invitational Friday-Sunday.
 
Their only better start came in 2022 when the Texans rattled off 10 straight wins in a season that saw the Purple and White notch 30 wins for the first time as a Division I institution that ended with Tarleton State earning their first postseason win over UC San Diego 6-4 in the National Invitational Softball Championships (NISC).
 
Last time the Texans were in action, the Purple and White earned wins over McNeese, Bucknell and two over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. During the opening weekend of 2025, Tarleton State had two freshman pitchers make their debuts in the circle and earn the win.
 
Shelby Schultz became the first Texan since Jordan Withrow to earn the win in their collegiate debut as the Texans defeated McNeese State 5-4 in opening day action. The win marks the first opening day win since 2016 as Tarleton State defeated Texas A&M International 11-3 (6). Withrow accomplished the feat on Feb. 3, 2017, as the Purple and White defeated Newman 5-3 in the Southern Arkansas Invitational in Magnolia, Arkansas. Schultz went 6.0 IP earning the win as she gave up six hits, four runs while striking out seven and walking three
 
Sadie Beck became the second freshman since Withrow to accomplish the task as she went 4.1 IP as she gave up two runs (earned) on seven hits while she struck out two including her first ever batter faced in her collegiate era.
 
The 2025 Whataburger Invitational will bring one team back that is familiar with the Invitational in Akron who took part in the 2023 edition while it will welcome three new teams in Austin Peay, Houston Christian and South Dakota State.
 
Tarleton's action is set to get underway on Friday at 2:30 p.m. as Mark Cumpian will look for his 250th career win as head coach when Tarleton State host Houston Christian. The Huskies currently hold the all-time series lead over the Texans 2-1 with neither team winning on their home field.
 
The nightcap of Day 1 will see Austin Peay come to town as they face off with Tarleton State at 7 p.m. This marks the first time the two teams will meet.
 
Saturday afternoon marks the first time the Texans and Jackrabbits will meet since May 2023. The 2023 season saw Tarleton State and South Dakota State face off four times including two times in the NISC. The visitors currently hold the all-time series 4-0 as the home team will look to turn the tide in their favor Saturday afternoon when the two meet at 2 p.m.
 
Game four of the weekend is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch as the Purple and White will welcome the Akron Zips back to Stephenville for the first time since 2023. This marks the first of two meetings on the weekend as Tarleton State holds the all-time series lead over the Zips 1-0 as the home team took the 4-3 win in Feb. 2023.
 
Sunday afternoon will see the Zips and the Texans go at it once again, this time action is set to get underway at 2:15 p.m.
 
Season tickets, tournament passes and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be found at tarletonsports.com/tickets. The first four games for the Texans will air live on WAC International with the finale airing live on ESPN+. Live stats will also be available for all games as well. For the full 2025 schedule click here.
 
For the latest news on the Texans, follow Tarleton Softball on Facebook, Instagram and X @tarletonsoftball.