ARANSAS PASS — The 2022 Lyford Lady Bulldogs will have to settle with sharing history as their bid for the deepest playoff run in school history fell short against the Hallettsville Lady Brahmas 5-0 on Saturday.
“I think this season we came a long way,” Lyford senior short stop Alyssa Garcia said. “We really grew so much as a team and as individuals. I think there is so much potential for next year. I hope as seniors we left the program better than how we got it.
“Hallettsville is a good team, and I wish them luck against Bishop.”
Lyford’s offense did not heat up against Hallettsville sophomore Kaylie Olivarez, who no-hit the Lady Bulldogs. Her blistering fastball was coupled with a changeup that fooled batters.
“I think I did really good for taking a day off in between the two games,” Olivarez said. “We are really excited. Our rivals from last year, Bishop, made us lose out in the fourth round. I think it is pretty exciting.”
Hallettsville scored its first run during the top of the second inning with two outs on a fielder’s choice. With bases loaded, Emily Migl, Hallettsville’s big hitter, crushed a two-strike pitch off the wall. The standup double cleared the bases and put her team on top 4-0.
Lyford had a chance to grab some runs in the sixth. An error and a walk put runners on first and second. With the heart of the lineup due up, the Lyford batter hit a fly ball to right fielder Katelyn Pustejovsky, who then threw out the runner tagging up at third base to end the inning.
Lyford’s history-tying season was a memorable one for the school and players.
“Overall, we had a great season and built great friendships,” Wetegrove said. “It is something I am really going to miss. In the end, I love what we did and the bars that we set for the next year.”
On top of the deep playoff run was an undefeated District 31-3A championship season.
“Playing for this team was very special,” senior catcher Hailey Pena said. “It was good to build chemistry with every young buck. This year, our chemistry really improved since the beginning. No one watched us in the beginning and we proved everybody wrong. I am so proud of every single player that played.”
