University of Texas Softball

Courtney Craig (Courtesy of UT)

The Super Bowl has come and gone (Go Saints!) and Major League Baseball doesn't start until April, so it's time for some other sports to shine, and UT softball is a great place to start. Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6:30pm is the opener for coach Connie Clark and her youthful squad as they face Texas Woman's University. TWU has never beaten the Long­horns in four previous meetings. Fans can buy $1 general admission tickets for this game. Come Friday, it's Texas Invitational time as UT welcomes DePaul, LSU, and North Carolina to town for a three-day tourney. It's fitting Texas opens up its tourney play against DePaul (Friday, 5pm), as the team boasts former UT superstar and four-time All American Cat Osterman as an assistant coach. UT fans will relish this opportunity to see Osterman, who will also be playing professionally for the Tennessee Diamonds of the Nation­al Pro Fastpitch league come June. We wish Osterman the greatest of success in her playing and coaching careers. Look for senior infielder Loryn Johnson and sophomore outfielder Courtney Craig to lead the freshman players to another fun and hopefully winning season. Vs. TWU: Thu., Feb. 11, 6:30pm. Vs. Centenary College: Tue., Feb. 16, 6:30pm.

Texas Invitational Fri., Feb. 12: LSU vs. North Carolina, noon. LSU vs. DePaul, 2:30pm. UT vs. DePaul, 5pm. UT vs. North Carolina, 7:30pm. Sat., Feb. 13: DePaul vs. North Carolina, 11am. UT vs. LSU, 1:30pm. Semifinal rounds, 5 and 7:30pm. Sun., Feb. 14: Third-place game, 10am. Championship, 12:30pm.

All games at McCombs Field, 2001 Comal. $5-8. $1 general admission for the TWU game. www.texassports.com.