The softball team will compete in their first playoff game against McKinney High School at home on April 25 at 7 p.m.
“[The past district season] has been really good,” head coach Chelsea Herndon said. “It started off really well and then obviously, softball is a game of failure. There were a couple hiccups here and there, but our second round of districts [went] really well. Our district is very tough, so going into playoffs, we feel pretty good.”
The team finished districts with 11 wins and three losses, placing them second in the district and allowing them to advance into the playoffs. Last year, the Lady Hawks were unable to make it to the playoffs as they ended fifth in the district. Only the top four teams in the district advance to the playoffs.
“Our team chemistry was a big factor to [advancing] this year,” catcher Liz Cardona said. “Last year, our hitting and defense was stable enough, but this year, being so connected with everyone and having team dinners and bonding outside of school really helped us play all together on the same field.”
The coaches from both Hebron and McKinney agreed to a three game series. The last two games of the series will take place on April 26 at 7 p.m. at McKinney High School and April 27 at 12 p.m. at Little Elm High School, if necessary.
“[Going into the] playoffs, we’re trying to keep the same consistency [while] focusing more so on our mindset,” Herndon said. “With playoffs, there can be a lot of additional pressure [that] our season could be over if we don’t do this or if we don’t win; so working on our mentality and preparing for the big moments [is a focus].”
McKinney ended third in their district with nine wins and five losses. The only time the Lady Hawks have played Mckinney this year was during fall ball, which is mainly used to get in reps. Even with the lack of exposure to McKinney, pitcher Lucy Crowder said the team feels prepared.
“We don’t really count [fall ball] because that’s when any pitcher can throw,” Crowder said. “We’ve seen the pitcher before, and we’ve watched film, so we’re ready.”
Schools such as Denton Guyer and Allen have been on the team’s radar. Denton Guyer ended first in its district with a record of 13-1 with Allen right behind them at 10-4. Herndon said that though the Lady Hawks are on a lookout for these teams, they don’t want to underestimate the other teams they’ll come across.
“Any team can take any win at any moment,” Herndon said. “You really don’t want to overlook anybody, whether they’re a first seed or fourth seed.”
The team has been working to improve its consistency on defense. Pitching and offense have been strengths for the team this past year. Herndon said the most difficult part for the Lady Hawks will be adapting to playing teams from different districts they have yet to go against.
“You really have to prepare and scout and see who you’re going to play and have a good game plan for that team,” Herndon said. “It goes back to our mentality during tournaments, showing up and being able to play and compete with anybody.”
