SAN MARCOS, Texas ? Louisiana Tech will open its season Saturday at the Domino?s Pizza Classic hosted by Sam Houston State.

Head coach Sarah Dawson?s squad is scheduled to face North Texas at 1 p.m. Saturday followed by a contest against the host school at 3:15 p.m. Sunday?s schedule has the Lady Techsters facing Sam Houston at 9 a.m. and North Texas at 11:15 a.m. with a championship game set for 3:45 p.m.

?Obviously, we are excited to start our season,? Dawson said. ?I?ve been pleased with our progress over the last few weeks. I?ve seen some good things from our pitching staff lately and I?m anxious to see what they can do in real competition.?

Louisiana Tech returns nine letter winners from last year?s team that struggled to an 18-49 mark. However, Dawson said she is confident that her team is ready to rebound.

?I want last year to be a learning experience,? Dawson said. ?I don?t want to dwell on it but I don?t want our returners to forget what it felt like. It?s a new season and a fresh start and this weekend is our first step.?

North Texas returns seven starters from a year ago when the Mean Green posted a 15-38 mark, including a 6-14 record and a fifth-place finish in the Sun Belt Conference. Sam Houston State is the preseason favorite to win the Southland Conference after finishing 29-25 a year ago.



11 Sat. North Texas vs. Louisiana Tech 1 p.m.
Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston 3:15 p.m.
North Texas vs. Sam Houston 5:30 p.m.
12 Sun. Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston 9 a.m.
Louisiana Tech vs. North Texas 11:15 a.m.
North Texas vs. Sam Houston 1:30 p.m.
Championship game 3:45 p.m.