 "Photo: Chris Kominczak")
The Texas women's softball team is in the hunt for a Big 12 title.
The team kicked off conference play this past weekend, sweeping away the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a two-game series. The Longhorns hope to have similar outcomes as they face off against the rest of their conference.
The Longhorns head to Lubbock where they will battle against Texas Tech (7-24, 0-2 Big 12) today. Texas (16-11-2, 2-0) lead the Red Raiders 19-4 in the all-time series. The teams' last meeting was in the Hawaii Spring Tournament a few weeks ago when Texas won 8-2. The team has had three practices to prepare for Thursday's game.
"It's conference - a new season, if you will," Texas coach Connie Clark said.
Conference games are tougher than the team's previous games this season because they are more competitive in every aspect. All the teams come out full throttle as they strive to prove they are the best in the Big 12.
According to Clark, it is even more difficult to win conference games on the road.
"We have to take care of business at home," she said. "Playing on the road is tough in this conference with the crowds and just great opponents across the board."
It's something Texas should already know. Last season, the Longhorns finished 1-7 on the road in Big 12 play, sending their conference record to 8-10.
If the Longhorns can keep up their consistent intensity like they had all weekend against the 'Huskers, they like their chances of challenging the Big 12 for the title.
Sophomore designated player Tallie Thrasher is leading the intensity parade this season. She was named Big 12 Player of the Week for the second time this season after she recorded a 1.000 on-base percentage in three games last week, reaching base in all 11 of her plate appearances. Thrasher also recorded six hits in six bats, tallying two runs scored, a double and two RBI while adding five walks. She also slugged at a 1.667 clip for the week.
As Clark put it, "Tallie is hot."
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