PREVIEW: Softball Hosts Crosstown Rival HCU

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Softball program hosts crosstown foe Houston Christian on Tuesday for a midweek battle at Cougar Softball Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

The first 50 students will receive free hotdogs. Fans can take advantage of $2 tickets at the box office on game day or capitalize on a Tuesday for Two deal that includes two tickets, two hot dogs and two sodas for $18 (the deal must be purchased in advance).

HCU (15-15)
Teams				Houston vs HCU
Dates				Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m.
Location				Cougar Softball Stadium \| Houston
Live Streams				Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Live Stats				UHStats.com
Game Notes				Houston

HEAD COACH KRISTIN VESELY
Overall record: 207-177-1 (8th season)
At Houston: same

SERIES vs HCU

Overall: 9-2
First Meeting: W, 6-0, April 5, 2011
Last Meeting: W, 4-1, Feb. 23, 2023
Last Houston Win: W, 4-1, Feb. 23, 2023
In Houston (Cougar SB Stadium): 9-2
Run Differential: 72-24 (H+48)
Last five: 4-1
Last 10: 8-2
Under Vesely: 2-1
Houston Streak: W1

FIRST PITCH

Houston joined the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023. The 2024 season marks Houston's inaugural softball season in the conference. The Cougars won their first Big 12 game in style, sealing the team's highest ranked win in program history with a 12-10 win over No. 2 Texas on March 8. The victory also continued Head Coach Kristin Vesely's streak of seasons with a win over a ranked opponent.
Houston's 94 runs tied the program record for most runs through the first 11 games, originally set in 2014.
The Cougars' 261 runs scored have surpassed the season totals from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2004 and 2001. Houston's run production is on pace to break the program record.
The team posted its best 11 game start (10-1) since 2008 when the program went 11-0. At 15-5, the team earned its best 20 game start since 2020 (16-4).
Bree Cantu's 40 RBIs so far this season rank 17th in the country and fourth in the Big 12. Cantu also sits in 15th with 0.83 walks per game.
The Cougars rank sixth nationally in walks drawn (150), seventh in scoring (7.46), 10th in on-base percentage (.428), 20th in batting average (.322) and 28th in slugging percentage (.506).
Nationally, Kennedy Thomas sits at 16th in 'toughest to strike out'. Her 1.20 runs per game also sit at 12th in the country.

BUY TICKETS
Tickets for the 2024 Softball season are available now. This year's home slate features 30 games, including five Big 12 Conference series. Click here to ensure you don't miss any of the action during the Cougars' inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference in the same great seats!

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Softball by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Diamond Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Softball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Softball. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarSB.

− UHCougars.com −

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Bree Cantu

Kennedy Thomas

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