(RV) Softball heading to Louisiana Christian Tournament to open season

The UHV softball team begins its push for a second NAIA Softball World Series appearance on Friday.

The Jaguars (33-14 in 2024) open the season with four games at the Louisiana Christian Tournament held at Champions Sportsplex in Alexandria, La., starting with a 3:30 p.m. tilt with 2022 World Series qualifier Webber International on Friday. UHV concludes the first day with a 6 p.m. meeting with Central Baptist.

UHV will close the tournament on Saturday against William Woods (10 a.m.) and Central Christian (12 p.m.).

"These preseason tournaments give us an opportunity to go out and compete on a national stage," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz, who enters her 13^th season at the helm. "We get to go up against opponents who aren't regional to us, which helps us prepare for the postseason. So, I think that's what makes the opening exciting."

The Jaguars return a number of talent this year, including NAIA First Team All-American Kenzie Chambers and NFCA Second Team All-American Claire Blinka. The Jaguars also return NFCA Second Team All-Region selection Kaylle Lopez and Second Team All-RRAC first baseman Allison Snedeker.

Last season, Chambers ranked eighth nationally in stolen bases with 49 and is five stolen bases from tying Madysin Leighton's career record of 90, which was set last season. The Grand Prairie native hit a career-best .492 with a .583 slugging percentage, .583 OBP and 24 RBIs.

Blinka was a .392 hitter last season with 49 RBIs and five homers. Lopez led the team in RBIs with 56, and doubles with 14. Snedeker was UHV's home run leader a year ago with seven.

"We have more depth than we've had in the past," Ortiz said. "When I go to make a lineup, I have several options that I feel great about. There's going to be competition at a majority of our positions, which only makes us better. They have to keep working, they have to get better, they have to keep battling. I think that gives us a competitive advantage within the program. I also think this team has exceptional leadership; we have a great, big senior class. They lead by example and do what they're supposed to do. The girls behind them really have bought into the fact we want this to be a great year."

The Jaguars were picked to finish third in the Red River Athletic Conference preseason poll by the conference's coaches.

This is the third meeting between UHV and Webber with the all-time series split after the Jaguars won 3-0 in 2023.

UHV owns a 6-5 all-time edge with Central Baptist after splitting a doubleheader in their last meeting in 2023.

It's the first meeting between the Jaguars and William Woods since 2011 when UHV won 7-1.

It's the first-ever time UHV and Central Christian have met on the softball field.