There was nervous energy in the Castro Club on Sunday.
It was a room full of softball student-athletes, coaches, administration and longtime supporters.
In the middle and front row – to no surprise – was senior third baseman Sara Vanderford.
After a long commercial break – what felt longer than usual – and after a few more portions of the bracket were revealed, the Texas State name appeared on the screen. It was announced they would play in the Austin Regional and face Texas A&M on Friday in its opening game (6:30 pm, ESPN+).
“To have your name pop up is relief because you made it, but it’s go-time now,” said Vanderford after practice on Tuesday.