Blaire Luna

Reigning Big 12 Pitcher and Freshman of the Year Blaire Luna will lead her 15th-ranked Longhorns into the 2011 season today (Thursday, Feb. 10) at McCombs Field as they host the three-day Texas Classic. They’ll be facing Tulsa and Northern Illinois, both of whom they have never played, and Louisville, whom they’ve only played once. Despite winning their fourth Big 12 Confer­ence Championship last year, the Horns are ranked behind Oklahoma and Missouri in the preseason polls. Luna’s numbers last year were ridiculous – 30-10 win-loss record, 1.39 ERA, 242.1 innings pitched, four saves, 28 complete games, three no-hitters!, 404 strikeouts, etc. – and she has been named a “player to watch” for the 2011 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award this season. She was a Top 10 finalist last year – in her freshman season. With 10 letterwinners returning and Luna dominating on the mound, this looks to be a promising year for the Horns.

Thursday, Feb. 10

UT vs. Louisville: 6:30pm

Friday, Feb. 11

Tulsa vs. Northern Illinois: 1:30pm

Northern Illinois vs. Louisville: 4pm

UT vs. Tulsa: 6:30pm

Saturday, Feb. 12

Louisville vs. Tulsa: 11am

UT vs. Northern Illinois: 1:30pm

Semifinal 1: 4pm

Semifinal 2: 6:30pm

Sunday, Feb. 13

Third-Place Game: 10am

Championship Game: noon

Red and Charline McCombs Field, 2001 Comal. $5-9 per day. www.texassports.com.

This article appears in February 11 • 2011.

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