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Lady Techster Softball Complex The Lady Techster Softball Complex has been home to Louisiana Tech softball since its construction in 1982 and recently received some major renovations, including the addition of new bleachers and a new press box. As part of the preparation for playing host to the 2013 Western Athletic Conference Tournament last May, the University invested more than $500,000 in renovations and improvements. The first phase of the improvements came during the summer of 2011 with the replacement of the existing wooden fence surrounding the facility with a new chain link fence that is covered on the inside with padding. An on-going issue of poor drainage on the field was also rectified with the installation of a new subsurface drainage system underneath a new synthetic turf that was installed in front of both dugouts and behind home plate. Synthetic turf was also installed in both bullpens, while the entire outfield benefits from the installation of a new irrigation system. Last winter and spring more renovations took place as new bleachers were installed and a new press box built. During the course of the Lady Techsters’ 31-year history of playing at the facility, Tech has posted an overall mark of 386-200, including 22 winning seasons. During its run to the 2008 NCAA Tournament, LA Tech posted a mark of 16-12 at home including victories over Top 25 Fresno State and SEC foe Ole Miss. The 16 home victories were the most since the 1996 season when that Lady Techster team was a perfect 16-0 at home. In 2009, LA Tech repeated the feat by defeating both Fresno State and Ole Miss at home while also posting victories against Hawaii. Built at a cost of $200,000 under the supervision of former head coach Bill Galloway and former Tech President F. Jay Taylor, the 550-seat facility boasts brick-walled dugouts, wooden lockers, lights, batting cage and electronic scoreboard. The natural grass turf extends 190 feet down the foul lines and 220 feet to straightaway centerfield, reaching the fence running along the outfield. At the time of its completion in the early ’80s, it was considered one of the finest softball facilities in the country as the nationally-ranked Louisiana Tech squads drew large crowds. The complex has been home to some of the nation’s top teams and players during its history as it housed three Louisiana Tech College World Series teams and six more NCAA Tournament squads and five All-Americans. In Galloway’s first season, he led Tech to a record of 52-18 and the first of three trips to the College World Series, and the tradition of winning and dominance throughout the 1980s began. Louisiana Tech reached the NCAA playoffs the next six seasons, including College World Series appearances in 1985 and 1986.
26 LATechSports.com
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