Wildcats earn the bi-district championship.
Update: The game has been moved to 5 p.m. Thursday to avoid expected storms. Tickets may be purchased online here.
The Lady Wildcats won their playoff game against Arlington High School Friday night 5-1 to earn the bi-district championship. They’ll face Hebron High Thursday in the area round.
Outfielder Mary Elizabeth Bone said the team made a pledge when they saw playoffs on the horizon.
“We agreed as a team to play for each other as the season was winding down. It’s been exciting to see us work together for a common goal. The impact was pretty powerful.”
Bone also believes the Lake Highlands fan base has inspired the team to play their best ball yet.
“It’s been so uplifting to see the increased support and attendance at our late season games this year. Giving the community an opportunity to come out and celebrate has been a huge boost to our team’s morale.”
Second baseman Harper Massey said scrimmaging tough teams early is paying off now.
“Though we struggled sometimes, ultimately it made facing the teams in our district easier because we had gained so much experience about how to handle difficult situations. I feel those experiences were integral to our attitudes, because even if we were behind, we kept pushing and never gave up. The most exciting thing about this season is seeing how we all grew in confidence, our abilities and each other. We have gained amazing chemistry as a team — mostly because so many of us are seniors and have been playing together for so long.”
Pitcher Peri Dunham agreed.
“We’re accomplishing goals we’ve been talking about since August. The whole team has put in so much work, and it feels so good to finally be able to say we are district champs.”
Dunham is preparing to head off to Kansas State in the fall, but she said she will take lessons from softball with her.
“The work I put into something really does count. When I put my mind to something and work for it, I can accomplish so much. This is something that will carry further into my life — even when softball is over.”
When Ava Purl puts on her batting helmet and steps behind the plate, she’s all business. But when it’s time to cheer for her teammates, she’s ready to get rowdy.
“I love to be hyping up my teammates and cheering them on,” she told me. “I love having a loud and fun dugout.”
She’s hoping Wildcat fans will join the hype team, too.
“Keep on supporting us and keep cheering us on at our games — we love it.”
Seven members of the squad made the prestigious THSCA Academic All-State Team: Georgia Fairbanks, Harper Massey, Peri Dunham, Brooke Bouldin, Tessa Horton, Delani Davenport and Ava Purl.
Thursday night’s one-game playoff will begin at 7 p.m. at Newman Smith High School.
Lifting the trophy.
