By Moses Leos III
The hopes of a repeat state title are now in jeopardy for the Hays Lady Rebel softball team.
A two-run salvo in the tenth inning allowed the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers to claim a 5-3 extra inning win over Hays Thursday in New Braunfels. The loss snaps Hays' 14 game win streak.
Dripping Springs holds a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, with game two Friday at 6 p.m. at New Braunfels Canyon High School.
The Lady Tigers took an early 1-0 lead via an RBI single from senior Janice Burke. Hays attempted to rally back, but were stymied by the dominant pitching of Lady Tiger sophomore Amber Womack.
Womack, who went all ten innings, scattered four hits and five walks while striking out 16 Lady Rebels. Hays head coach Aaron Fuller said the team struggled to swing the bats well. However, he gave credit to Womack's performance.
"She kept us off balance," Hays head coach Aaron Fuller said. "She's a great pitcher. One of the best we've faced all year."
Womack cruised through the first two innings before Hays' caught up in the third. Senior Maddy Shannon led off with a double that richocheted off the outfield wall. She eventually scored on a passed ball, tying the contest.
However, Hays' inability to deliver with runners on the basepaths took it's toll. Hays exited the third with runners left on second and third base; they left 12 total baserunners stranded, six in scoring position.
It was due in part to Womack's ability to get out of pressure situations.
"I told her, 'don't let (Hays) get into your head,'" Dripping Springs head coach Wade Womack said. "She found ways to battle back."
Errors came to plauge the Lady Rebels in the fourth. Lady Tiger freshman Kiele Miller led off with a single, and advanced to second by a Lady Rebel error. Junior Haley Odell ripped an RBI double to left field, scoring Miller to give Dripping Springs a 2-1 lead. Miller, who advanced to third on a fielder's choice, scored on an error to give the Lady Tigers a two run cushion.
Fuller said the miscues were "uncharacteristic," ones he said the team hasn't made all season.
Despite the issues, Hays' defense recovered, holding Dripping Springs scoreless over the next five innings. Senior pitcher Sarah Leal strengthened the effort, striking out four batters in that span. Leal went ten innings, givng up seven hits, four walks and struck out six.
Hays' offense used that momentum to counter in the sixth. With runners on first and second and two outs, junior Angelica Arroyo delivered an RBI double, scoring freshman Maria Arroyo and sophomore Karina Rocha to tie it at 3-3.
But the Lady Tiger offense roared to life once again in the tenth.
With two outs, freshman Sydney Campbell drew a walk, allowing Miller to deliver a RBI triple to score Campbell. One batter later, an infield error allowed Miller to score, giving the Lady Tigers a two run lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Hays must now win two games on Friday to keep their season alive. Leal said keeping composure and staying calm will be key.
Moving on to the next day was the key for Fuller.
"We'll have to make adjustments tonight, and come back tomorrow," he said.
