TXST SOFTBALL
Texas State opened up the 2025 season against the No. 14 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks, resulting in a competitive 3-1 loss for the Bobcats at the Texas State Tournament.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Ricci Woodard was proud of the team’s effort against a top-ranked team in the nation with a new roster.
“I just told them you just played a really good team that probably should have been in the college World Series last year,” Woodard said. “I can’t be more proud of all these new players that I had on the field in the way they battled and the way we continued to battle throughout the entire game. Couldn’t be more proud.
Though the Bobcat offense had a rough night, Woodard knows the potential of Texas State offensively and what they are capable of.
“The good part is we’re going to be better,” Woodard said. “We weren’t very good offensively tonight. I think this one the best offensive teams I’ve had so I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
The Bobcats started off strong with sophomore pitcher Madison Azua taking the pitcher. Azua pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the first to keep the Razorbacks off the scoreboard.
After Arkansas kept Texas State off the scoreboard, the Razorbacks struck first with a leadoff homer in centerfield to lead 1-0.
Freshman Erin Peterson slides underneath the tag on the steal. Daily Record photo by Gerald Castillo
Azua bounced back and pitched three scoreless innings going into the sixth inning.
The Bobcats were unable to bring across any runs, being held to just two hits through six innings.
Arkansas added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning, connecting for back to back home runs, extending their lead to 3-0.
However, the Bobcats made their rally in their final at-bat of the night.
Sophomore third baseman Kate Bubela started the inning with a leadoff double to give the Bobcats a runner in scoring position with no outs.
Freshman second baseman Mayson Garrett forced a walk in the next at bat, putting runners on first and second. A wild pitch then moved the runners to second and third.
Arkansas later got two outs on a fly out to left and a strikeout and looked to end the Bobcats’ comeback hopes.
But the Bobcats capitalized on a Razorback error on an infield single from freshman shortstop Erin Peterson allowed Bubela to score, cutting the lead down to 3-1 with runners on first and third.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, the comeback ended on a controversial strikeout call, allowing Arkansas to escape with the win.
Texas State returns to play at the Texas State Tournament Friday and Saturday before the San Marcos Daily Record time of press. Full coverage of the games will be posted online with game recaps coming in the Wednesday paper.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
Ciara Trahan, Keely Williams and Sydney Harvey take the field before the first pitch. Daily Record photo by Gerald Castillo
