The Marist softball team is getting a true taste of West Texas hospitality—complete with an unexpected dust storm that turned their practice at Tracy Sellers Field into an adventure. As head coach Joe Ausanio hit batting practice balls, the gusty winds sent them flying every which way, leaving players both amused and challenged.
Senior outfielder Peyton Pusey admitted the conditions were a first for her. "I could not see the ball," she said, laughing. Shortstop Haley Ahr is hoping the wind stays calm during the Lubbock Regional games, but the Red Foxes aren't letting the elements—or the odds—dampen their spirits.
Marist enters this weekend as the clear underdog, with few expecting them to advance past Saturday or challenge the powerhouse Texas Tech softball team. But that hasn't stopped them from enjoying the moment. During an open batting practice, everyone on the traveling squad took their cuts—including a student reporter from New York who, to the delight of the team, launched a home run.
Ausanio, who last visited Lubbock six years ago, noted the impressive upgrades to Texas Tech's facilities. Pusey added that the amenities rival those of previous regional stops at Florida State and Texas A&M. But what truly caught the team's attention was the impact of Texas Tech's star pitcher, NiJaree Canady.
The Marist players have immense respect for Canady, not just for her dominance on the mound but for her groundbreaking NIL deal that has set a new standard in college athletics. "It's amazing that people in college sports can create a brand like she has," Pusey said. "Some people think it's unfair, but those are usually the ones who don't have the opportunity. It's awesome for women in sports, and she's absolutely killing it."
Ausanio acknowledged that Canady's decision to leave Stanford couldn't have been easy, but he admires her courage and the path she's carving for future athletes. As Marist prepares to face Texas Tech, they do so with a mix of competitive fire and genuine appreciation for the talent across the diamond.