STARKVILLE, Miss. – The UNT softball team had a mixed opening day at The Snowman: Alex Wilcox Memorial, winning 5-1 against Murray State but falling to Rutgers 8-2 after nine innings.
With the win over Murray State, Coach Cody White celebrated his 500th career victory. He’s now one of 67 active Division I head coaches to reach this milestone, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Anneca Anderson shined in the first game, pitching a complete game and striking out seven batters. She allowed just four hits and one walk, showcasing her skill on the mound.
Junior Elizabeth Moffitt played a key role, hitting her fourth home run of the season and adding a double with an RBI. Both Madison Conley and Ariah Mitchell also contributed, with Conley hitting a two-run double and Mitchell bringing Conley home later in the inning. They all ended the game with two hits.
In the contest against Rutgers, North Texas staged a thrilling comeback. They tied the game 2-2 in the seventh inning, as Moffitt’s clutch hit and a passed ball allowed the pinch runners to score.
In the eighth inning, Kayleigh Smith stepped up defensively, managing to finish off the top half with back-to-back groundouts. Although UNT had opportunities to score in their half, Rutgers took control in the ninth, scoring six runs to clinch the win.
The Mean Green are set to face No. 19 Mississippi State on Saturday at 3 p.m. and will rematch against Murray State at 5:30 p.m.
In recent years, softball attendance has steadily increased, reflecting the growing interest in the sport. Experts attribute this to players’ enhanced visibility through social media and college games being featured on various streaming platforms. In fact, a survey from the NCAA shows a 20% rise in viewership for women’s sports over the past five years.
As the game evolves, so does the talent pool. The number of women playing high school softball has also surged, which means exciting times ahead for college programs. The energy and spirit seen in games like those on Friday are a testament to that growth.
For more on college sports statistics and trends, you can check the NCAA’s official reports here.
