University of North Texas Athletics
Softball Hosts Oklahoma State In Doubleheader Today
2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
DENTON, Texas (2/25/09) The North Texas softball team hosts Oklahoma State tonight in a doubleheader beginning at 4:30 pm. The Mean Green is coming off a solid weekend, winning the Sleep Inn Classic tournament title.
The Mean Green is off to its best start in school history with an 8-4 mark. NT defeated the Cowgirls (8-4) last year at home, 5-2, but OSU came back to defeat the Mean Green at their place, 5-0. The Cowgirls lead the series, 4-3.
Mariza Martinez posted three hits last year in the win against Oklahoma State as a freshman. She is off to a fast start this year as a sophomore, hitting .381 with a team-leading 16 hits. She was named to the Sleep Inn Classic All-Tournament Team this past weekend.
“I am focused on being more consistent this year,” said Martinez. “Last year, I started off the same, but I am hoping to keep going and not hit a slump. I want to maintain what I am doing, hitting the ball, because I know that is what is going to help the team.”
Martinez is also leading the team in stolen bases, going 7-for-8. She is already tied for fifth on NT’s single-season school record list. Overall, the team is 18-for-28 in stolen bases. Last year, the Mean Green stole 25 bases.
“It has always been my personal goal to steal,” said Martinez. “Coach Hubbard is utilizing stealing bases this year a lot more because we have more speed. He is giving the signal and I am just stealing the bag.”
As a freshman, Martinez finished third on the team with a .322 batting average and 59 hits. She led the team with 42 runs and tied for first with eight home runs.
“I feel more comfortable,” said Martinez about her sophomore year. “I felt like I had a lot on my shoulders last year. This year, I am more comfortable but still on my toes.”
Martinez is leading the team in a number of different categories and has moved around at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions in the batting order. She is getting on base with singles and she is also hitting for power, leading the team with two home runs. And she is stealing bases.
“It is whatever Coach Hubbard wants me to do in the lineup. If I am leading off, I know I have to get on base. If I am in the three hole, I know I have to hit people in. I think it depends on the game, whom we play, and I just do the job wherever coach puts me.”
North Texas is off to a 4-1 record at home and has six more home games after OSU before conference play begins. The Mean Green opens with ULM on Saturday, March 7.
“I know we split OSU last year, and it would be great to win both games at home. It would give us a lot more momentum going into conference.”
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