PREVIEW: Softball Hosts Familiar Conference Foe UCF

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Softball program hosts UCF for a three-game series this weekend at Cougar Softball Stadium. The slate renews a rivalry that has seen the teams battle at least twice a year since 2006.

First pitch Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. while Saturday's game is slated for 2 p.m. and the series finale beginning at noon, Sunday. All three games will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

This weekend is Houston's Fan Appreciation Weekend. Friday is 713 Night, featuring $7.13 elotes at the concession stand, $7 tickets at the box office and a t-shirt giveaway (first 200 fans).

Saturday's game continues the team's $10 Triple Play Saturday, where fans can get a ticket, water and hot dog for just $10 (not available on gamedays). Saturday is also Teachers, Faculty and Staff day with teachers as well as Houston Faculty and Staff receiving a free ticket with valid ID.

Sunday is Houston's Hometown Heroes and Kids Day. All veterans, active military personnel and first responders receive free admission with valid ID while kids can take advantage of pregame face tattoos. As always, the team will be available for postgame autographs on Sunday as well.

UCF (22-15, 7-8 Big 12)
Teams				Houston vs UCF
Dates				Friday, April 12 \| 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13 \| 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14 \| Noon
Location				Cougar Softball Stadium \| Houston
Live Streams				Big 12 Now on ESPN+ \| Friday \| Saturday \| Sunday
Live Stats				UHStats.com
Game Notes				Houston

HEAD COACH KRISTIN VESELY
Overall record: 208-180-1 (8th season)
At Houston: same

SERIES vs SAM HOUSTON

Overall: 22-32
First Meeting: W, 5-1, March 25, 2006
Last Meeting: L, 0-4, April 30, 2023
Last Houston Win: W, 9-8, April 24, 2022
In Houston: 12-9
Last five: 1-4
Last 10: 1-9
Under Vesely: 6-14
Houston Streak: L4

FIRST PITCH

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' 276 runs scored have surpassed the season totals from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2004 and 2001.
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 34th in the country and fourth in the Big 12. Cantu also sits in 22nd with 0.77 walks per game and ninth with five sacrifice flies.
Houston has tied its single-season sacrifice flies record that it set last season, already posting 21 this season.
The Cougars rank eighth nationally in walks drawn (159), 10th in scoring (7.08) and 15th in on-base percentage (.417).
Nationally, graduate Kennedy Thomas sits at 19th in 'toughest to strike out'. Her 1.08 runs per game also sit at 25th 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.

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