April 1, 2008

HOUSTON - When the weekly college softball polls were released on April 1, the University of Houston softball team found themselves ranked in the Top 10 for the first time this season. Houston is ranked No. 9 in both the USA Today/NFA Poll and the ESPN/USA Softball Poll.

With the No. 9 ranking, Houston has reached their highest spot in the poll in school history. They started the season receiving votes in the polls and broke into the Top 25 at No. 23 during the week of Feb. 12 after starting the season 4-0.

They are also ranked No. 7 in the Ultimate College Softball Poll.

Houston continued their ascent up the rankings after three-straight sweeps of C-USA opponents to move to 9-0 in conference play. Houston is also 31-4 overall this season and the only team in C-USA to be ranked in the polls. With the 31 wins, the Cougars have now recorded at least 30 wins in seven consecutive seasons.

For their efforts last weekend, Houston swept the C-USA Weekly Softball awards. Junior Laurie Wagner was named the Hitter of the Week after going 5-for-7 hitting .714, including three home runs.

Senior Angel Shamblin was named the Pitcher of the Week after recording her second career perfect game in an 8-0 win over Memphis in the first game of the three-game series.

UH will continue conference play this weekend when they travel to Orlando, Fla., to face UCF on April 5-6. Houston will play a double-header on Saturday beginning at 1pm. First pitch of the final game on Sunday is set for 1pm.

A complete list of the softball polls can be found by going to www.UHCougars.com and clicking on the softball page.