By: Jaelyn Morales

On February 15th, the Varsity softball team had their first game of the season at home against Poteet and run-ruled them by a score of 10-0. The Lady Eagles had two home runs for the night and both were back to back followed with a lot of other solid hits. Gabby Ramos, in her first appearance at bat for the eagles, hit a moonshot right over center field followed by Jaelyn Morales who hit it over right field. The team also had a great defensive game with multiple double plays and help from the outfield. Freshman pitcher, Maggie Maddox, pitched the complete 5 inning shutout. When asked what her biggest goal this season is, Coach Laws answered, “My biggest goal is for the girls to go farther than they have in a while and I would love to see them win a district championship, which is doable!” 

On February 17th-19th, the Lady Eagles competed in the Navarro Tournament at Huber Ranch, in Seguin. Their first game was against Poth and was won by a score of 9-5, then against Stockdale which was won with a score of 12-0. The next day the team started off the day with a win against Cotulla and a score of 19-3, followed by another two wins against Wagner (11-2) and Eagles Pass Winn (13-1). On the final day of the tournament, the Lady Eagles played Randolph and won by a score of 13-2. After going 6-0 the whole tournament and outscoring their opponents 77-14, the team received 1st place and Maggie Maddox received the MVP award for pitching all six successful games. Seniors, Taylor Bryant and Autumn Guerra, and Junior, Jaelyn Morales received all-tournament honors. ” I feel very confident about this season,” said senior Autumn Guerra, “We have a good hardworking group of girls and a new coach as well, we have a clean slate and opportunities.”

On February 22nd, the Lady Eagles traveled to Cornerstone Christian school and unfortunately had their first loss of the season. There were errors on defense, and offense could not get their bats going resulting in a loss of 3-5. They were supposed to play in the Floresville Tournament, but it was canceled due to bad weather. On March 1st, the Lady Eagles played against Bandera at home and the girls started out the game rough with defensive and offensive mistakes, but then started to get their groove back. They were close to making a comeback later in the game, but in the end they couldn’t get their bats going and lost by a score of 9-12. The team is using their recent losses as a sign to push themselves everyday and as motivation to, as Coach Laws said, “come out each and every game ready to put up a fight.”

It will be imperative for the team to keep working hard mentally and physically as district approaches. “The energy in the team this year is awesome. We all strive to be better and better everyday and I couldn’t ask for a better team for my final year of softball,” said senior Taylor Bryant, “My biggest goal this season is to push myself harder than ever, to me right now being great isn’t enough there is always something I can improve and hopefully go far in the playoffs this year with that mindset and I believe something we can work on this season is becoming one as a team and really getting to know each other like sisters.” The Lady Eagles have 3 more regular games and then will play Brooks Academy for their first district game. If you can, try and visit an upcoming game and show your support for them. Pride Pride!