The varsity softball team played against Akins High School at Butler Field March 26, looking to improve their 5-3 district record. The Chaps last played the Eagles in February, with a 16-1 landslide score. This game followed the pattern, taking the victory with a 13-3 Chap win.
However, this game followed a 2-3 loss against Johnson High School. The Chaps suffered a lack of offense throughout that game, but it was significantly improved on during the game against the Eagles.
“We had to do a better job in the box. Obviously, we scored a bunch of runs, we accomplished that goal,” head varsity softball coach Haley Gaddis said.
The game started off with a two run hit from infielder senior Emerson Crossan during the first inning which showcased the Chaps strong offensive improvement.
“I think I did really good focusing at bat and seeing the ball all the way through,” Crossan said. “[Next game I could improve on] hitting sooner and not waiting until the second and third bat to start getting hits.”
The next inning followed with a bunt from outfielder junior Sadie Cohen which helped set up another two run hit from outfielder senior Hallie Cunningham. In retaliation, the Eagles came back with two runs. Following this, pitcher sophomore Lyric Labrecque switched in, who helped end the inning 4-2.
“We have to be consistent throughout our line up, one through nine,” Gaddis said. “Our pitchers are doing a great job on the mound, we just have to keep mixing their pitches up.”
Following a scoreless third inning, Cunningham and catcher junior Gabrielle Churchill both scored runs during the fourth, ending 6-2. On the defensive, Labrecque continued her quick pitching, shutting out the Eagles through the third and fifth innings.
When the sixth inning started, the intensity of the game increased. With help from a hit from outfielder senior Campbell Smith and a walk for outfielder senior Mia Rincon, all three bases were loaded up. Churchill stepped up to bat, but her successful hit got caught. Infielder freshman Caitlin Patterson then succeeded with a two run hit which caused the Eagles to call a timeout. The Chaps followed up with runs from outfielder junior Karina Shah, Crossan and another run from Patterson.
In the bottom half of the inning, Akins finally landed another run to end their offensive drought. However, it was no match for the five runs the Chaps had accumulated, and the sixth inning ended 11-3.
The game ended with a home run from Rincon during the last inning, who was cheered on by all of her teammates on her run back to home base. With no scores from the Eagles, the game ended 12-3.
With an improved batting game and reliable pitching, the Chaps took the game with ease. Now boasting a 6-3 district record, the girls currently work their way across the district, in preparation for the state championship that begins later this month.
“We have Lake Travis next, so that’s a pretty good rivalry [game] for us, but it’s at home so we have that advantage, [and] we’re looking forward to it,” Gaddis said.
