Davis Diamond set for regional action to begin on Friday afternoon
The redemption tour begins.
A year ago, Texas A&M fell heartbreakingly short of a trip to Oklahoma City.
In last year's final game of the Austin Super Regional, the Aggies rallied back from a four-run deficit to trail by just one.
Down to their final out with two runners aboard, their season ended in enemy territory — a moment Trisha Ford & Co. have replayed in their minds countless times since it happened.
In a game of razor-thin margins, just one swing stood between the Aggies and a ticket to the Women's College World Series.
And as much as the result stung, Ford & Co. turned pain into purpose.
"This is what the whole team has been waiting for is right now," A&M’s head coach said. "There is a lot of excitement in our clubhouse, but there is also a lot of determination. There are ways I find chips on our shoulder, and there has been a lot of talk about our seeding and what have you. That's fine. I wish they would keep telling us that because we will keep proving them wrong."
Fueled by many external factors, A&M was relentless during the regular season.
The Aggies were down by six in the fifth inning against Baylor, only to come back and win. They have set records for runs scored in the SEC Tournament. They have run-ruled 31 percent of their opponents this season. Seniors and freshmen alike have won games.
Domination has become the standard.
"We don't talk about noise. We are all business. We are a very consistent staff to the players," Ford said. "It's parenting 101. This is our standard. This is what you are capable of. When you are anything less than that, I will have a conversation with you about it."
This ruthless mentality preached by their head coach has permeated the locker room.
"We have had a great relationship over the past few years," junior Amari Harper said. "I have really grown to understand her coaching style and her expectations. It's very much a job."
If Harper’s words aren’t enough, the in-game actions of the entire club display A&M’s ruthlessness.
"I think you have seen it in our games, and that's where the messaging shows up," Ford said. "This team is very confident, but they have also shown the ability to be down, to be up and to put teams away. When you are a team that shows that ability day in and day out, that's the sign of a great team that understands what it takes to win at a high level."
In the circle, Emiley Kennedy anchors A&M’s pitching staff. A four-year contributor, the All-American southpaw has navigated through many challenges this season, all while cementing herself as one of the best to ever wear the Maroon & White.
"’Lefty’ has been huge for us," Ford said of Kennedy. "She is someone who always had the toolset to be one of the pitchers to ever play this game. You can really see her progression each year. She faced every single one of our hard preseason opponents."
As for the offense, Mya Perez's postseason appearance a year ago served as a launching pad for sophomore slugger. Slashing .447/.578/.830, Perez leads A&M in a number of categories, becoming the player Ford always knew she was.
"This is Mya Perez," the head coach said. "I have watched that kid since she was 12, and she has been phenomenal every level she has ever been at."
Additionally, the bats of Koko Wooley, Harper, Mac Barbara and Kennedy Powell have allowed the Aggies to become trailblazers.
To kick off the NCAA Tournament, the Aggies face Saint Francis at 2:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
A team that has also persevered through hardship, the Red Flash received news that the university was transitioning from Division I to Division III next year and lost eight of its next ten games.
Yet, Saint Francis softball is extending the end of its story by claiming the Northeast Conference Tournament title and punching its ticket to the Big Dance.
The No. 2 seed Liberty and No. 3 seed Marist have also been motivated by shortcomings.
In 2024, the Lady Flames were an out away from winning the program's first-ever regional, while the Red Foxes failed to make the tournament.
Unlike 2024, A&M's path to Oklahoma City will begin in the friendly confines of Davis Diamond.
Saint Francis, Liberty and Marist stand in A&M’s way this weekend. If No. 16 Oregon takes care of business in the Eugene Regional, the Ducks will be next.
Scarred by the weight of could've been, A&M is determined to rewrite its story.
As one of the most complete teams in the nation, the Aggies have the talent, depth and heart to go all the way. On top of that, a club fueled by failure can be the most dangerous.
So this time around, A&M isn’t out to prove something.
The Aggies are out to finish something.
