The Bobcats Defeat No. 18 Clemson in Home Opener 

By Marlee Jackson 

KTSW Sports Reporter 

 SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Texas State Bobcats opened their home season and the States Up Invitational with a 4-0 shutout win against the Clemson Tigers. The Bobcats came out aggressive and strong, keeping their foot on the pedal and not letting up. 

In the top of the first inning, the Bobcats went 3 up 3 down, allowing no runners to get on base. Senior shortstop Sammi Hood accounted for all three outs.  

The Bobcats then grabbed their bats and came ready to swing. The first pitch against leadoff Keely Williams resulted in a hard ground ball up the middle. Aiyana Coleman backed up her teammate with a double down third base side, allowing Williams to score, and the Bobcats to take the lead. 

Junior pitcher Madison Azua was in complete control on the mound for the Bobcats, tossing up her first shutout for the season. She threw a complete game with 7 strikeouts, while her fielders also came through in crucial moments, only allowing a Tiger runner to get as far as second base.  

While Azua controlled the circle, her teammates supported her by having timely hitting, clean defense, and knowing their pitcher well.  

“My teammates make it easy for me. They know when I’m getting worked up, or when I need a break. So, it’s good to have such great teammates that know when I need a timeout, even if I don’t call it for myself.” said Azua. 

 Junior Katarina Zarate was one of many who took full advantage of every strike thrown her way. Zarate led the team with 3 RBI’s and also sent one high over the left field fence. Zarate says that aggressiveness stims from a team who has big goals, the main one being to win. 

“We have big goals of making it to the world series and to win a Sunbelt Conference Championship,” said Zarate. “We’re just working hard in practice and showing it on the field.” 

The Bobcats finished out the night strong, holding No. 18 Clemson Tigers scoreless down the stretch. Texas State Head Coach Ricci Woodard said that when the Bobcats play aggressively like they did tonight, that’s when they have the most fun.  

“Weather was perfect, crowd was good, and we got a W out of it. Doesn’t get much better than this.” said Woodard. 

The Bobcats will face off against Wichita State, BYU, and No. 11 Arkansas this weekend to finish out the States Up Invitational at Bobcat Softball Stadium.