After a win against Hebron, varsity softball solidified its position in the playoffs. The team is set to play against Allen on Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Allen High School, and Friday, April 28 at Killough at 11:30 a.m. If needed due to a tiebreaker, the teams will play at a neutral place on Saturday, April 29. 

“We were overjoyed because we did not think we were going to make it,” junior Kassidy Luke said. “We came in 2-8 and then we won all the rest of the games to make it. We were just happy to make it back.” 

In 2022, softball made it to the playoffs, but didn’t pass the second round. The team had not posted a playoff win since 2015. With the progression and dedication the team has offered this year, head softball coach Porscha Albert feels confident in the team’s potential success.

“We are mentally tougher than we were a year ago,” Albert said. “The scoreboard didn’t always tell the story, but for me, it’s been apparent in how we have played teams that swept us in district last year. I also see more confidence in players when they’re in pressure situations or are in situations that didn’t go their way last year.” 

Varsity softball didn’t start off with a good season, but with better communication and team dinners, they were able to bring it on. 

“We definitely went through a time where we’re all kind of in our heads,” junior Megan Till said. “Through the second round of district we watched each other grow as individuals which helped us grow as a team.” 

Since making the playoffs last year, the girls have gotten closer and bonded during practices. 

“A team’s ability to laugh and mutually joke with each other and the coaches, says so much about the health of a team,” Albert said. “They’ve also matured so much over the last year. It’s been fun to watch that and see how it manifests on the field. I’m quite proud of them.”