After an extensive road trip covering nearly 5,000 miles, the Baylor Bears are back at home, ready to kick off a seven-game homestand. First up is a three-game series against McNeese State, broadcast on ESPN+. This homestand will also include Baylor's first conference weekend against Iowa State.
Historically, the Bears have dominated McNeese State, holding a 28-9 all-time record and winning seven of their last eight matchups. Adding an interesting twist, Baylor's Director of Operations, Dani Price, is a McNeese alum and former assistant coach.
Baylor has been formidable at home this season, boasting a 5-1 record at Getterman Stadium. Over the years, the Bears have maintained a strong home field advantage, with a 492-194 all-time record since the stadium opened in 1999.
In the pitching circle, transfers Peyton Tanner and Cambree Creager are making a significant impact. Tanner, who transferred from Tennessee, has already surpassed her freshman workload and is enjoying a standout stretch with a 4-2 record, a 2.71 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in her last nine appearances.
Creager, from Arizona State, has been equally impressive, holding a 1.75 ERA over her last five appearances, including a strong showing against No. 24 Clemson.
Both pitchers rank in the Big 12's top-10 for strikeouts, with Tanner at eighth and Creager at ninth. Offensively, Brooklyn Carter, a Preseason All-Big 12 selection, continues to shine with a .457 batting average and a .513 on-base percentage.
The Bears recently went 4-1 in the Campbell/Cartier Classic, outscoring their opponents 27-11. Freshman Kaygen Marshall made headlines by hitting two home runs in a single game against San Diego State, a rare feat for a Baylor freshman.
Head Coach Moore is entering his 30th season with an impressive 1,092 career wins, ranking him ninth among active coaches. This season, Baylor faces a challenging schedule with 14 matchups against teams in the ESPN/USA Softball Preseason Top 25, including games against top-ranked Texas and Texas Tech.
Carter, a key player for the Bears, is one of the top base stealers in the country, with 76 career stolen bases. Despite being picked eighth in the Preseason Big 12 Coaches Poll, Baylor has a history of outperforming expectations under Moore.
The team is adapting to significant roster changes, including the loss of three-time All-American Shaylon Govan. Veteran Toven, with 178 games under her belt, leads the defense alongside her new double-play partner, Piper.
Freshman talents like Marshall, Harper Haas, and Savanna Pogue add local flavor, all hailing from nearby areas and bringing championship experience to the team. Toven, Carter, and Tanner also bring valuable Women's College World Series experience from their previous schools.
Baylor's recent unveiling of the Peggy Hawkins Softball Locker Room, complete with state-of-the-art amenities, marks a new era for the program, thanks to the support of dedicated fans. This facility reflects the Bears' commitment to excellence and provides a top-notch environment for the team.