Texas A&M University-San Antonio continues to shine in the athletic world, as the University’s softball and golf teams have earned spots in their respective Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournaments, further elevating the Jaguar sports legacy. With standout performances and determined efforts, the teams have proved that they are forces to be reckoned with in their respective competitions.
Softball Team’s Historic Achievement
For the fourth time in five seasons, the Jaguar softball team has advanced to the RRAC Tournament, cementing their place as one of the top teams in the conference. After a strong regular season, the Jaguars finished in fifth place, securing a spot as the fifth seed in the double-elimination tournament. They faced off against the University of Houston-Victoria in their opening game on May 1 in Pineville, Louisiana.
Head Coach Nicole Dame expressed pride in the team’s resilience, especially given their demanding schedule throughout the season. “Securing the fifth seed put us on a more favorable path through the tournament, and I feel like we are going to be able to put together a run,” Dame said, optimistic about her team’s chances.
Several players have stepped up this season to make their mark on the team’s success. Samara Aguilera has been a powerhouse at the plate, leading the team with a .409 batting average and a .553 slugging percentage. Freshman Kristianna Luera has also impressed, hitting .404 with a .461 slugging percentage. Meanwhile, Kaylee Barlow has been a force on the basepaths, leading the team in stolen bases with 40, which ranks third in the RRAC.
Golf Team Eyes RRAC Championship
The men’s golf team teed off in their RRAC Tournament on May 4-6 at the Club of Texas in San Antonio, hosted by Our Lady of the Lake University. This marks the latest milestone for a program that has made significant strides in recent years. During the University of the Southwest Fall Invitational, the Jaguars posted a school-record low round of two under, showcasing their growing prowess. In the spring, Jacob Pena made history by becoming the first golfer in University history to win an individual championship, setting new records for both round and two-day tournament lows.
Head Coach Christi Cano has high hopes for her team as they approach the tournament. “We know we are fully capable of winning the conference championship, but we also know that to do it, we need all five of our guys to play well at the same time,” she said. “We have the right guys, and I believe we can get it done.”
The RRAC Tournament is a crucial event for the team, as the winner will receive an invitation to the NAIA National Championship, an exciting opportunity for the program to take the next step in its development.
A Remarkable Year for A&M-San Antonio Athletics
The success of the softball and golf teams comes on the heels of a remarkable achievement by the women’s basketball team, which made a historic run to the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament in March. In their inaugural season, the Jaguars made it to the semifinals, an impressive feat for a starting program.
Athletic Director Darnell Smith celebrated the accomplishments of the University’s athletic programs. “I’d like to congratulate Coach Dame and Coach Cano for making it to the RRAC Tournament. This is truly an impressive accomplishment for such young programs,” Smith said. “This is an exciting time at A&M-San Antonio. As the University grows, so do our athletics, and we’re forging a path towards even greater success.”
As the Jaguar athletic programs continue to make strides, there’s no doubt that the future is bright for Texas A&M University-San Antonio. With dedicated coaches, talented athletes, and a growing sense of pride in the community, the University is poised for even greater achievements on the court, field, and beyond.
