UT Arlington (8-2) | UT Arlington Invitational
Feb. 20-22, 2015 | Allan Saxe Field | Arlington, Texas
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By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington looks to continue its best start since the 1993 season when it hosts the UT Arlington Invitational starting Friday.

The Mavericks (8-2) are amidst its best 10-game start since '93 and will look to match the best 11-game start since 1980 when the team opened the season 14-1. UTA's hot start to the season has come behind an offense that has produced an average of 8.2 runs per game with a team batting average of .357.

"We are all very solid, and any of us can play anywhere and do our jobs," outfielder Shelbi Sikes said. "It is good that everyone has a big role, and (UTA coach Kristie Fox) can bring anyone in and they will set up up and do the job the same way."

Sikes is one of 10 Mavericks that are hitting above .300. The sophomore has a team-high 17 RBI to go with two homers. Sikes attributes here success at the plate to the lineup around her and the danger that the offense presents to the opposing pitcher.

"It just proves that anyone in the core of our lineup can produce a home run," Sikes said. "It was really funny when Mya Anderson got walked ahead of me and I hit a home run. We are all very powerful."

Anderson's jolt of offense has been an added part of success. Anderson leads the team with six homers this season, including a grand slam in UTA's home opener against Incarnate Word.

This weekend presents a new challenge for the Mavericks with four new opponents. UTA welcomes Prairie View A&M, Texas Tech, DePaul and UMKC to the tournament. The Mavs hold a winning record against three of these opponents all-time, while Texas Tech leads the series 10-4.

"It is going to be a good tournament overall," Fox said. "We have to make sure that we continue to play our game and take care of our business. If we do that then I think we will come out on top."

The Mavericks proved that they are ready to face opponents on the big stage in its home-opening tournament. UTA was able to down Ohio State, who was receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 Poll.

Sikes said that the win was important for the team to show it could beat anyone when the Mavs play their game.

"We just need to keep protecting our home field," Sikes said. "We only got beat once and it was more on us. I think it is our time to show that it is our field and nobody is going to beat us on it."

TICKETS: Tickets are available at UTATickets.com and 817-272-9595. Parking is free for all games at Allan Saxe Field.

UTA DIAMOND CLUB: The UTA Softball Diamond Club was created to promote the program, as well as the new stadium, and provide the best experience for fans. Membership in Diamond Club is $100 and includes a season ticket for all UTA home games, a commemorative t-shirt, a seat cushion and access to reserved seating. For more information visit UTATickets.com.