STEPHENVILLE, Texas – For the first time in the Mark Cumpian era, the Texans are set to open their season at home which will start a homestand of 16 straight in what is part of the record setting number of home games the Purple and White is set to host (30).
 
Tarleton State is fired up and ready to go in their first season of postseason eligibility following the four-year reclassification period to NCAA Division I. Throughout the four-year reclassification, the Purple and White has already eclipsed the century mark in wins as a Division I Institution including back-to-back 30-win season in 2022 and 2023.
 
The Texans have also punched a ticket to the conference tournament in both years eligible. They also made back-to-back appearances at the National Softball Invitational Championship (NISC), earning their first postseason victory on May 23, 2022, over UC San Diego 6-4. The following season the Texans earned their second postseason victory over UC Davis 10-4.
 
Now to start 2025, action will get underway on Thursday as Tarleton State welcomes McNeese State to the Cowboy Capital of the World as part of the Texan Classic. The single-game opener on Thursday is set for a 5 p.m. first pitch from the Tarleton State Softball Complex. The Cowgirls of McNeese State make the return trip Stephenville after the Purple and White traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, last season for the I-10 Border Classic.
 
Last time the two teams met up, McNeese State earned wins over Tarleton State 11-3, 5-1. The Cowgirls have won 40-plus games each of the last three seasons including winning 47 in 2023 and was just one out away from beating then No. 7 Washington to advance to a Super Regional.
 
Friday will feature just a single game as well for the Texans as Tarleton State will host the Bucknell Bison at 5:45 p.m. This marks the first time the two teams will face each other. Last season the Bison went 16-30 and 8-10 in conference play.
 
Saturday will feature two different teams in the Marist Red Foxes and the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions, both new faces to the Texans. The Texans and Red Foxes will get underway at 2:30 p.m. at the Tarleton Softball Complex. Last season the Marist ended their season with a 36-19 record and boasted a 17-6 conference record. The Golden Lions wrapped up their 2024 campaign finishing with a record of 19-30 overall, 8-14 in conference play.
 
Season tickets, tournament passes and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be found at tarletonsports.com/tickets. All Tarleton State games will air on ESPN + and live stats will be available for each game. For the full 2025 schedule click here.
 
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