TEXARKANA, Texas — With their backs against the wall, the Texas High Lady Tigers stepped up.
In a tough District 10-5A, the Lady Tigers found themselves in a must-win scenario against Lufkin on Friday, with both teams needing a win in Lufkin to advance to the postseason. And it was Texas High that secured a playoff spot with an 8-6 district record.
Texas High crushed five home runs in a blowout victory, with Laikyn Stevens and Palin Nichols each hitting two. Preslie Clopp also homered for a team that embraced the pressure of the situation and came out on top.
“We knew what was on the line Friday, and our girls didn’t flinch. They embraced the pressure and played complete softball. We had great pitching, solid defense and an explosive offense,” head coach Chealsea Slider-Angel said. “I’m really proud of how they rose to the moment.”
The Lady Tigers finished what became a grind in district action. Six teams in 10-5A finished with a .500 or better district record. The Lady Tigers were tested but used their experience to win and advance.
“This district has been a grind from start to finish, and our team has been tested in every way,” Slider-Angel said. “To see them respond like they did Friday says everything about their toughness and belief in each other.”
And now, the 5A Division I postseason awaits, which is big for the program. The Lady Tigers want to keep their momentum going.
“Clinching playoffs was big for us, and now it’s about carrying that momentum forward,” Slider-Angel said. “We want to keep playing our best softball at the right time.”
The Lady Tigers will take on District 9-5A champion Melissa in the bi-district round, currently scheduled to begin Thursday at Texas High. Melissa went 14-0 in its district this season.
Friday’s game is scheduled to take place at Melissa, with a possible third game scheduled for Saturday at Canton.