The Cougars are opening their 2015 home season this weekend with five games, including two double-headers, as they are set to host the Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational.
The tournament will showcase the Cougars as they take on the University of Northern Iowa Panthers, McNeese State Cowgirls, University of Massachusetts Minutewomen, DePaul Blue Demons and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks.
Houston competed last weekend in the inaugural Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. and finished the weekend 3-4 after defeating Southern Mississippi, Florida Gulf Coast and Liberty. However, Houston fell to FIU, No. 3/4 Alabama, Jackson State and No. 23 South Alabama.
Things to watch for in the Cougars’ competition this weekend will be junior shortstop Selena Hernandez and big defensive plays. Hernandez ended the Sand Dollar Classic with an average of .429 after hitting two triples and a home run. In the seven games that the Cougars have played up until this weekend they have turned four double plays, two of which were against No. 3/4 Alabama.
The Cougars open their tournament play against the Panthers at 2 p.m. on Friday to be immediately followed by their matchup with the Cowgirls at 4:30 p.m.