PREVIEW: Cougars Set to Host Sam Houston, Face Arizona in Final Big 12 Regular Season Weekend

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Softball team is set to host its final regular season home against Sam Houston before facing Arizona in its final Big 12 series of the season.

The Cougars host the Bearkats at 6 p.m., Tuesday before traveling out West to take on the Wildcats from April 24-26 with game one set for 7 p.m., Friday. The teams then meet again at 4 p.m., Saturday, before a 1 p.m., Sunday, finale.

Sam Houston (29-20, 13-8 Conference USA)
Date \| Time	Tuesday, April 21 \| 6 p.m. CT
Location	Cougar Softball Stadium \| Houston, Texas
Links	Watch \| Stats \| Tickets
Arizona (31-13, 12-6 Big 12 Conference)
Date \| Time	Game 1: Friday, April 24 \| 7 p.m. CT Game 2: Saturday, April 25 \| 4 p.m. CT Game 3: Sunday, April 26 \| 1 p.m. CT
Location	Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium \| Tucson, Arizona
Links	Game 1 (Friday): Watch \| Stats Game 2 (Saturday): Watch \| Stats Game 3 (Sunday): Watch \| Stats

Series History vs Sam Houston:

All-Time: 35-5
in Houston: 20-1
in Huntsville: 12-4
in Neutral Sites: 3-0
Last Houston Win: 11-6 (April 20, 2024)
Last Sam Houston Win: 2-1 (Feb. 24, 2021)
Last 10 in Series: 9-1
Current Streak: W5

Series History vs Arizona:

All-Time: 0-7
in Houston: 0-3
in Tucson: 0-3
in Neutral Sites: 0-1
Last Houston Win: N/A
Last Arizona Win: 8-3 (May 4, 2025)
Last 10 in Series: 0-7
Current Streak: L7

FIRST PITCH

Sitting on 68 home runs this season, the 2026 Cougars have now produced the second most homers in a single season in program history. One of three teams to hit 60 or more in a season, Houston sits five homers away from tying the program record of 73 set in 2008.
The pair of sophomore Maddie Hartley and junior Makenna Mitchell continue to make noise at the plate as the first Houston duo in program history to produce 15+ homers in the same season. Hartley's 19 currently ranks tied for second in single-season program history behind 2012's Haley Outon (22) and level with 2008's Laurie Wagner (19). Mitchell's 17 lists her in a tie for fourth alongside Kristen Glowacz (2005).
With 13 doubles on the year and tied for sixth on the all-time single-season doubles list, Mitchell sits one double shy of a spot in the top five for a tie with Laurie Wagner's 14 in 2008.
Four Cougars continue to inch towards 50 hits on the season with Mitchell leading the way at 49 followed by Hartley (47), sophomore Madox Mitchael (46) and sophomore Ariel Redmond (43).
Houston ranks tied for 19^th nationally in home runs (68) and 33^rd in homers per game (1.42), sitting fourth among Big 12 programs behind Texas Tech (97), Arizona State (79) and Kansas (73).
Sophomore pitcher Nevaeh Brown has five complete games this season while also sitting one win away from her first 10+ win season. Brown has struck out the sixth most batters amongst Big 12 pitchers (77) while ranking second in innings pitched (117.2).
The pair of Hartley and Mitchell both rank atop the Big 12 home run hitters leaderboard this season in first and second, respectively.
Sophomore pitcher Nevaeh Brown has five complete games this season while also sitting one win away from her first 10+ win season. Brown has struck out the seventh most batters amongst Big 12 pitchers (81) while ranking fifth in innings pitched (122.2).
Mitchell ranks third in the Big 12 in assists with 99 on the season, trailing only Iowa State's Reagan Bartholomew (110) and UCF's Aubrey Evans (102).
Sophomore Isabel Cintron leads the Big 12 in sac bunts this season with nine.
Cintron ranks second in the Big 12 in runners caught stealing with seven on the season, only trailing behind UCF's Beth Damon (15).

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Softball by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Diamond Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Softball for needs beyond its operating budget.

GAMEDAY CLEAR BAG POLICY
To provide a safer environment for the public and to significantly expedite fan entry into all of Houston Athletics competition sites, Houston Athletics has implemented the clear bag policy it implements at TDECU Stadium and Fertitta Center at the remainder of its facilities (Schroeder Park, Cougar Softball Stadium and Carl Lewis International Complex [soccer and track and field] and the Athletics Alumni Center/Yeoman Fieldhouse).

The following items are allowed inside all ticketed UH Athletics events:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap (These small clutches remain subject to search)

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the doors by arena personnel. Items such as backpacks, purses and diaper bags are not permitted, and fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags to Houston Athletics facilities.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Softball. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarSB.

− UHCougars.com −

Sam Houston (29-20, 13-8 Conference USA)
Date \| Time	Tuesday, April 21 \| 6 p.m. CT
Location	Cougar Softball Stadium \| Houston, Texas
Links	Watch \| Stats \| Tickets
Arizona (31-13, 12-6 Big 12 Conference)
Date \| Time	Game 1: Friday, April 24 \| 7 p.m. CT Game 2: Saturday, April 25 \| 4 p.m. CT Game 3: Sunday, April 26 \| 1 p.m. CT
Location	Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium \| Tucson, Arizona
Links	Game 1 (Friday): Watch \| Stats Game 2 (Saturday): Watch \| Stats Game 3 (Sunday): Watch \| Stats

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