Stepping up to the plate, watching the field, and seeing all the surrounding players on their bases getting ready to run. Locking eyes with the pitcher as if it was a staring contest, knowing they wanted to get in the minds of everyone. The ball starts flying, making a loud noise with a bat as the field starts shifting. A new home run record was set.
The Kats will play against the Tomball Cougars on Shelly Field today at 6 p.m.
With the beginning of the season’s outcome not being ideal, players began focusing on teamwork. The team found themselves at the bottom of the standings after the first round of district with a record of 2-6.
“As a team,” senior Kelsi Wyland said. “We realized in the first round of district that we weren’t focusing on the little things, and we weren’t playing for each other. We all wanted the same thing, but we weren’t working together.”
By working on different skills and teamwork, the team noticed massive improvement in both of those fields.
“The key changes we made were just making sure we got some runs on the board and continuing to score,” senior Sydney Prihoda said. “I feel like we turned it around once we realized we were in jeopardy of not making the playoffs.”
With hard work and practice, the softball team ended in a third in district, advancing to the playoffs.
“Going into the playoffs, we knew we were going to have a pretty easy first round,” Prihoda said. “But we still had to lock in during practice because we did not want to take the team lightly, and we definitely did not.”
After a near clear sweep against the Eisenhower Eagles, the team continues to work hard in their efforts to continue advancing.
“I think we are performing really well for playoffs and after our first round win of 21-1,” junior Amy Roberts said. “I think we will make it really far, and I hope we will make it to state.”
Making the playoff game had its prime moments, and took lots of effort from the team.
“My favorite moment of the playoff game was celebrating with my team,” junior Adelyn Hall said. “I helped greatly by saving everyone’s bad throws and picking them at first base.”
After a successful game, Prihoda realized she was the new record holder of the the single-season home run record. Setting a new mark at 14 runs, passing previous record setter McKenzie Parker’s 2016-2017 record.
“As for setting a new school record,” Prihoda said. “I did not even know I did until I got home from the game when my dad told me. For me, hitting it was never about the stats, but playing for my teams and trying to get a win.”
