LYFORD — The Lyford Lady Bulldogs softball team is the only team that remains standing in the East Valley.
Lyford will begin its regional semifinal series with Hallettsville on Thursday in Aransas Pass.
The team had a light practice Wednesday. The mood was calm and light-hearted. A couple of the girls played with a bug and laughed.
Lyford knew it could make it this far if it beat Santa Gertrudis. Now that it is here, it knows it has a good chance of making it to the regional final.
The Lady Bulldogs are ready.
“This upcoming series is going to be a good one,” senior first baseman Railey Rincones said. “It is definitely going to be a challenge, but if we stick together as a team we will pull through.”
Lyford cruised against Corpus Christi London during the third round, 10-0, in a single-elimination game. Senior left fielder Mikaela Lopez hit a grand slam in the first inning, and the Lady Bulldogs never looked back.
“It is exciting to know that I put those runs on the board for the team and helped get the wins,” Lopez said.
The senior said London was a good team to play against, but the one that really boosted morale was Santa Gertrudis. Senior shortstop Alyssa Garcia also said the mood in the dugout is good.
“We are still working hard,” she said. “We are hungry. We want more and expect a lot more each and every day from all of us.”
The seniors were all complimentary of Hallettsville. They know that every team at this point is good and will be ready to compete. If the Lady Bulldogs beat Hallettsville, they will make history.
“Our softball program has really improved,” senior Hailey Pena said. “We wanted to make history because the last time was really long ago. It feels good making history and having the support from the school and community.”
In the circle against Hallettsville will be senior Mia Wetegrove. The senior has struck out 116 batters this season and has a 1.48 ERA.
“I think we have a really good chance at it. If we stay focused, keep our eyes on the prize, we have the ability to do that,” the senior said about possibly making history. “I love the team we have. I feel like our chemistry is great, and that is why we are here.”
