The Texas Tech softball program launches its 2018 campaign this weekend at the Aggie Classic, hosted by Texas A&M, Feb. 9-11, at the Aggie Softball Complex in College Station, Texas.

The Red Raiders will get an early taste of some tough competition with five games on deck against Boston College, Houston and No. 6/9 Texas A&M. Tech opens the season with Boston College Friday at 10 a.m., followed by a bout with Houston at 12:15 p.m. Saturday’s slate includes a showdown with the Aggies at 3 p.m., before a second meeting with Houston at 5:15 p.m. Tech closes the weekend slate with Boston College Sunday at 9 a.m.

Tech’s game against the Aggies will be available on SEC Network Plus. Live stats of each game are provided through Statbroadcast. As always, @TexasTechSB will provide live updates throughout each game.

“I’m excited for opening weekend,” fourth-year head coach Adrian Gregory said. “Our kids have worked really hard. We’ve pushed them, and they’ve grinded. They’re ready to not play themselves. We’re eager to see how we match up against each one of those guys. You always want to play a World Series caliber team, and that’s what A&M shows. We’re excited to get to play, across the board, great opponents.”

2018 SNAPSHOT

Texas Tech enters 2018 with a revamped roster that features 10 newcomers, including seven true freshmen. With the departure of nine players from last year, Tech features a full unit of Gregory’s players for the first time in her tenure.

Leading a group of nine returners is junior infielder Jessica Hartwell. The Galt, Calif., native hit .305 as a sophomore last year, including 11 home runs and 12 doubles on her way to NFCA All-Region Third Team honors.

In the circle, Tech returns its top pitcher in sophomore right-hander Kassidy Scott. The Piedmont, Okla., native made 45 appearances as a freshman in 2017, finishing with a 4.21 ERA. An All-Big 12 Freshman Team selection, Scott became one of only five Red Raiders in school history to win 10 or more games her freshman season.

HOUSTON-AREA CONNECTIONS

With College Station in close proximity to Houston, the event provides an exciting opportunity for several players to play in front of family and friends. Eight Red Raiders hail from the Houston area, including returners Karli Hamilton, Kiana Workman, Hannah Broseman and Kenzie Davis along with freshmen Breanna Russell, Kelcy Leach, Claire McKissick and Erin Edmoundson.

Additionally, the trip marks a reunion for Gregory, who starred at Texas A&M from 2002-05. A four-year starter, Gregory led A&M to the 2005 Big 12 Championship and a NCAA Super Regional. The Aggies’ 47 wins in 2005 was its highest in over a decade at the time and has been topped only once in the last 12 seasons.

SEASON OPENERS

Texas Tech is 2-1 in season openers under Gregory, and it will look to continue that trend when the Red Raiders face Boston College Friday. Tech has won seven of its last nine season openers overall, highlighted by a five-game winning streak from 2009-2013 that marks the longest such streak in program history.

Texas Tech in Season Openers (Since 2009)

Date                    Opponent                        Result                Site

Feb. 6, 2009     vs. Central Florida        W, 12-4               Tempe, Ariz.

Feb. 11, 2010    vs. Wisconsin                 W, 5-2                 Tempe, Ariz.

Feb. 10, 2011    vs. No. 16 BYU                W, 7-6 (9)          Tempe, Ariz.

Feb. 9, 2012      vs. San Diego State      W, 5-4                 Tempe, Ariz.

Feb. 8, 2013      vs. Central Florida        W, 12-4 (5)        Las Vegas, Nev.

Feb. 7, 2014      vs. Akron                          L, 3-4                   Hammond, La.

Feb. 5, 2015      at New Mexico State   W, 5-3                 Las Cruces, N.M.

Feb. 11, 2016     at UNLV                            W, 7-3                 Las Vegas, Nevada

Feb. 10, 2017    at Texas State                L, 1-2                   San Marcos, Texas

SERIES HISTORIES

Boston College

This weekend will mark the first two meetings between Texas Tech and Boston College. The Eagles are coming off a 31-22 season in which they finished 14-9 in the ACC, advancing to the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals.

Houston

Texas Tech leads the all-time series, 2-1, with all three games occurring from 2002-03. Tech has won the last two matchups, which includes the most recent contest, a 6-5 win on Feb. 23 2003. The Cougars went 30-25 in 2017 with a 12-6 mark in the American Athletic Conference that culminated in a runner-up finish in their conference tournament.

Texas A&M

The Aggies lead the overall series, 28-11. This will mark the second time Tech has hooked up with A&M since its departure from the Big 12 with the Aggies claiming a three-game sweep in College Station in 2016. Tech is 4-15 all-time in College Station and will be looking to break an 11-game losing streak against the Aggies overall.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Red Raiders remain on the road for a Tuesday tilt at UT Arlington with first pitch set for 3 p.m. After a brief return to the Hub City, Tech then heads to Orlando, Fla., for five games at the UCF Tournament. The Red Raiders open up their home slate Wednesday, Feb. 21, against Abilene Christian at 6 p.m., and then host Northwestern State for a three-game series March 23-24. 

(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Communications Department)