Junior shortstop Desiree Williams is a powerhouse.
The leadoff hitter is a crowd favorite. Every time she steps up to the plate, fans go wild, and Williams never seems to disappoint.
Last year, however, she didn't get much time to shine.
The Longhorn's three-game series this weekend against the UT-San Antonio Roadrunners at McCombs Field marked Williams' first set of games since an injury last season. Texas won two of the games, including a 10-2 rout Sunday.
Ironically enough, the first time Williams went up to bat, she was hit by a pitch. And if that wasn't enough, as she stole second base she was almost hit again as the ball skimmed over her shoulder.
Then, in their second game of the double-header, Williams was hit in the head by a foul ball.
"I guess I was a magnet for the ball," Williams said. "But it's just part of the game."
Because it was her first game back from injury, Williams was a bit nervous with some "freshman jitters." But it was hard to tell how anxious she was, considering that she reached base on more than half of her at-bats.
Williams' defense didn't suffer, either.
In the top of the fifth inning of the third game of the series, UTSA shortstop Rudi Cantu hit the ball a little out of William's range, but Williams dove anyway, making a noteworthy backhanded catch.
"I was just glad to receive it in my glove," Williams said. "I was using last year's glove, but it felt really good."
Williams is one of the most important pieces in the Texas puzzle. And she hopes the picture turns out a little better than last year's.
"This is one of the best teams I've ever played with at Texas," Williams said. "There is so much heart and talent in this team. And the turnaround is awesome. You ask for something, and you get it."
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