The Murray State softball team opens its 2023 campaign on Friday at the 2023 Wildcat Invitational in Abilene, Texas. The Racers will face off against Abilene Christian, A&M-Corpus Christi, and UTEP in five games over three days in the Lone Star State.
Abilene Christian went 25-26 last season and had a disappointing performance at the WAC tournament, going 0-2. Their leading offensive returner, Mercedes Eichelberger, hit .329 last season with 16 RBIs and 24 walks. On the mound, Riley White returns after going 7-8 with a 5.68 ERA and 24 strikeouts.
A&M Corpus Christi went 25-27 last season and made it to the Southland tournament, going 2-2. Their leading offensive returner, Sydney Hoyt, hit .285 last season with 26 RBIs and 39 walks. In the circle, Siarah Galvan returns after going 5-2 last season with a 2.31 ERA and 47 strikeouts.
UTEP had a rough season last year, finishing 15-34 and missing out on the C-USA tournament. Lexi Morales is their leading offensive returner, hitting .294 last season with 16 RBIs and 26 walks. In the circle, Aalijah Alarcon returns after going 10-15 last season with a 4.67 ERA and 72 strikeouts.
Last season was a historical one for Murray State, as they won 40 games, claimed both the OVC regular-season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NCAA regional for the first time. The Racers finished second in the nation in team ERA, with a 1.46. Individually, Hannah James and Jenna Veber ranked ninth and 13th respectively in the nation.
After leaving the OVC and joining the Missouri Valley on July 1, 2022, the Racers are still expected to perform well this season. They were picked to finish second by the league’s head coaches, and pitcher Hannah James and infielder Gracie Osbron were named to the 12-player Preseason All-MVC team.
In the opener, the Racers will take on A&M Corpus Christi, marking the 14th different opponent they have begun a new season with. When they take on host Abilene Christian on Saturday, there will be a familiar face on the other side of the dugout in MSU Hall of Famer Jessica Twaddle, who is currently on the Wildcats’ staff. Twaddle is the only NFCA All-American in Murray State’s program history and was also a CSC Academic All-American and a two-time OVC Player of the Year during her time in Murray.
Overall, the 2023 Wildcat Invitational presents a great opportunity for the Racers to get the season started on the right foot and show their strength against tough competition.
