Marist heaps praise on NiJaree Canady, Lubbock Regional opponent Texas Tech softball

The Marist softball team is getting the full West Texas experience . Midway through the Red Foxes' practice on Thursday at Tracy Sellers Field, an unexpected storm of wind and dust rolled through Lubbock, sending the batting practice balls hit by head coach Joe Ausanio every which way. Ausanio had been in town before — Marist was in Lubbock for Texas Tech softball's home tournament just before COVID-19 halted the sports world in March 2020 — but the strong gusts of wind were a new experience for his players.

Senior outfielder Peyton Pusey asked if that sort of thing happens all the time, while shortstop Haley Ahr hopes that it doesn't happen during Lubbock Regional games. "It was kind of cool to experience," Pusey said. "I could not see the ball.

" The Red Foxes aren't concerned with how most view their stay in Lubbock going. Nobody expects Marist to play beyond Saturday, and even less foresee them getting by the Texas Tech softball team. That's not going to stop them from having their fun, evidenced by the open batting practice the team took that involved all team personnel traveling this weekend, including a student reporter who made the trip from New York — he hit a home run.

Ausanio noted the upgraded facilities since he was last in town six years ago. Pursey said the amenities are on par with their previous regional stops at Florida State and Texas A&M. And they all have a great appreciation for what Texas Tech star pitcher NiJaree Canady has done for the sport of softball, including her ground-breaking NIL deal.