After capturing the SLC tournament title, Ladyjacks open NCAA play against A&M

The SFA Ladyjacks were already having one of the best seasons in the history of the program.

The Ladyjacks had a 17-win improvement from 2007 and had earned their first trip to the conference tournament since 1990.

But with one swing of the bat at the Southland Conference Tournament, it got even better.

In the bottom of the seventh inning in a 1-1 game in the Southland Conference championship game, freshman Ashley Struchtemeyer launched her eighth home run of the season to send the Ladyjacks to the NCAA softball tournament for the first time in school history.

The Ladyjacks, who defied the odds as the No. 4 seed in the SLC tournament, will play the underdog role when they open the NCAA tournament in the College Station regional Friday.

SFA (36-23) will begin the double-elimination event against the No. 5-ranked Texas A&M (49-7).

The Ladyjacks definitely have momentum of their side, after the upliting victory over Nicholls State.

"It felt incredible," Struchtemeyer said. "I can't describe the feeling. When it came in chest-high, I was all over it."

"It was crazy," junior Kim Daley said.. "We were waiting for it to go over. It was all just a blur. We jumped in the air, it was the greatest feeling. After everything we've been through, it's worth it now that we won and are champions."

"I knew she was capable," SFA head coach Gay McNutt said of Struchtemeyer. I didn't know she was going to hit it out, but I knew she was going to come up big."

"I was pretty much just hoping for a hit," Struchtemeyer said.

Now, the task in front of them is Texas A&M.

"Texas A&M is a great team," McNutt said. "They are ranked fifth in the country for a reason. We played them earlier in the season and played well."

Texas A&M won the doubleheader against SFA on March 20 by scores of 7-1 and 3-0.

The Ladyjacks and Aggies will face off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Aggie Softball Complex.

Megan Gibson, who played first base and hit a home run in the earlier meeting, will likely be in the pitcher's circle for Texas A&M. She is 33-1 with 1.01 ERA. She also bats .342 with a team-high 13 home runs and 46 RBI.

Freshman Monika Covington (20-12), who pitched every inning in the conference tournament, will pitch for SFA.

"She is on fire; it's insane," Struchtemeyer said of Covington.

"When she is on, she is as good as anyone," McNutt said. "She has come up big all season. There is no doubt that she will continue to do that."

While Texas A&M is the favorite, the Ladyjacks, who defeated Oklahoma State from the Big 12 earlier this season, believe they have just as good a chance as any team.

"That's what we play the schedule we play," McNutt said. "I think are chances are even with everyone else. It's a funny game, where everyone can be beat.

"Texas A&M is probably a little concerned. But they will have a big crowd on their home field. It should be something special."

"We have to go toe-to-toe with them," Struchtemeyer said. "We can't back down, because they are in the Big 12. I wouldn't be surprised if we won. We definitely have the momentum."

"We just have to stick together as a team," Daley said. "We have to remember that we are one team, one unit."

Louisiana Tech and Auburn will face off at 3:30 p.m. in the other match-up of the regional.