RUSTON -- Most Mean Green fans probably didn't expect North Texas to compete for a Conference USA championship in year one of the DeLong era, but the young and energetic head coach has found a way to lead his team to a 5-1 C-USA record with a chance to take the outright lead this weekend against Louisiana Tech.
"This series is huge," DeLong said earlier in the week. "They're talented and they are playing good softball. We've got to get out there and find a way to win every game. These will probably be some of the biggest games of the year."
The Lady Techsters (21-7, 3-0 in C-USA) were picked to win C-USA in the preseason polls and have played up to expectations halfway through the season. On Monday, Louisiana Tech received two votes to enter the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll.
La Tech has beaten No. 17 Auburn 2-1 and lost to No. 1 Florida State 4-0. With both the Lady Techsters and North Texas taking on stiff competition throughout the season, this matchup will be hard-fought and fun to watch.
This series has a great chance to go back-and-forth multiple times throughout the weekend. The fans in Ruston could cause a problem for the Mean Green, but senior Harley Perella said the team plans to use the rowdy crowd to their advantage.
“It’s always a dogfight with LA Tech so it will be an interesting series and be back-and-forth,” Perella said. “They have some gritty fans and they’re environment is something else, but that’s something that we’ll embrace and use to our advantage.”
Katie Clark is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday afternoon after missing four consecutive starts due to a thumb injury. Clark has served as the catalyst for a high-powered North Texas offense.
The absence of Clark mixed with great pitching from No. 2 Oklahoma led to an 8-0 run rule loss to the Sooners on Wednesday. Although North Texas took the tough loss, it should provide a great experience that this team can learn from and use to their advantage if they get a shot to play in the NCAA Tournament later this year.
First pitch for game one of the doubleheader starts at 2 p.m. tomorrow with game two starting approximately 30 minutes after. Game three will be at noon on Sunday.
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