Lady Tigers open softball season at Sam Houston State

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University open their 2019 softball season Wednesday when they visit Sam Houston State. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
 
Texas Southern has won the last nine Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division titles. The Lady Tigers are co-favorites to win the division again in 2019, along with in-state rival Prairie View A&M.

(Click here to see the Lady Tigers' uniform reveal video)
 
The Lady Tigers placed five players on the preseason all-SWAC teams. Senior catcher Marissa Padron was named to the First Team, while Tevanae Tate (pictured), Julia Bilbao, Tyra Williams, and Ebony Wiltz were all named to the Second Team.
 
TSU returns four .300 hitters from its 2018 starting lineup. Wiltz hit .393 and had an on-base percentage of .458, while Tate .355 and led the team with four home runs and a .671 slugging percentage.
 
In the circle, Williams was the top relief pitcher for the Lady Tigers in 2018, compiling a 2-2 record and a 2.45 ERA. She will likely see more time in the circle following the graduation of the team's 2018 starting pitchers – Jasmin Fulmore and Lauren Rodriguez.
 
Live stats for Wednesday's game at Sam Houston State can be found here.