Texas Tech Red Raiders
Overall Rank: #26
Conference Rank: #5 Big 12
The Texas Tech Red Raider program is on the rise. Third year Coach Shanon Hays has led his team to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In 2010, Coach Hays’ first year at the helm, the Red Raiders reached the post season for the first time in nine years. The 42 wins in 2011 were the second most ever for Texas Tech softball. Coach Hays has high hopes and expectations for his veteran club in 2012 and has a challenging plan to get them ready. “We have by far the toughest schedule since I've been here and hopefully that will prepare us,” Coach Hays said. Unlike the previous two seasons, the Red Raiders go on the road early and before conference play, battle eight teams that reached last year’s NCAA Tournament.
2011: 42-16, 5-13
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Shanon Hays, 3rd Season
Field Players:
Coach Hays will lean heavily on his experienced infield. “We have eight seniors on our roster which include Raven Richardson (SS), Logan Hall (2B) and Emily Bledsoe (3B). So, three-quarters of our infield are seniors who have won more games the last two years than any group in program history.” Bledsoe and Hall were 2011 All-Region performers and Raven ended up leading the team in hitting last year with a .384 average. Senior catcher Cydney Allen returns behind the plate after hitting .361 with 13 HR’s in 2011. Holly Gentsch and three year starter Ashley Hamada return for their senior year as well.
Pitchers:
The Red Raider pitching staff is deep with six arms in the bullpen. Coach Hays indicated that to make the jump to the next level he is counting on freshman Cara Custer. “She is the most talented kid we have had in the circle so far.” He looks for Custer to mature quickly and add a needed dimension to an up and coming Red Raider squad. Sophomore left hander Brittany Talley led the staff last year with 14 wins. Senior Kelsey Dennis collected 13 wins. Junior Ashley Brokeshoulder, sophomore Kemitria Ward and freshman Chandler Moore round out the staff.
Who to Watch:
Coach Hays is excited about some of his new additions. “We have added the two-time Cal JUCO Player of the Year, Adrianna Perez, who will most likely DP in the middle of the lineup.” Perez was also a two-time All-American at Antelope Valley, hit over .500 both years and set the school records for RBI, slugging percentage, and batting average in a single season. Redshirt junior transfer Melissa Ryba sat out the 2011 season, but is ready to go. Coach Hays added, “She is a super lefty hitter who should really help our lineup.” Junior All-Conference selection Sandy James returns at first base after a good season at the plate batting .352 with a team high 16 HR’s and 62 RBI. “She will also hit in the middle of the lineup and we expect her, Perez, and Allen to drive in a lot of runs,” Coach Hays said.
Final Projection:
Under the leadership of Shanon Hays, the Red Raider squad is on a positive track and, with such a veteran team returning, 2012 has the chance to be Texas Tech’s best in many years. Each of the past two seasons Tech reached the last round of their NCAA Regional. With the coaching staff in its third year together, the eight seniors and outstanding newcomers, the Red Raiders are set to be competitive in the Big 12, a conference that sent four teams to the 2011 WCWS, win 40+ games again and make a run deep into the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Logan Hall, IF, 175
Hits: Logan Hall, IF, 64
Home Runs: Sandy James, 1B, 16
RBIs: Sandy James, 1B, 62
Runs: Mikey Kenney, OF, 60
Stolen Bases: Mikey Kenney, OF, 15
Wins: Brittany Talley, P, 14
Innings Pitched: Brittany Talley, P, 127.2
Strikeouts: Brittany Talley and Kelsey Dennis, P, 80
Saves: Brittany Talley, P, 3; Kemitria Ward, P, 3
