Seguin — On Thursday, April 30, the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers traveled to Seguin High School for the Area playoffs in the University Interscholastic League 6A Division II postseason, opening a best-of-three series against the O’Connor High School Panthers.
The Lady Tigers took control early in game one, earning a 10-3 victory. The Panthers mounted a late push with three runs in the top of the sixth inning, but the Tigers responded by turning to Tatum Green to close out the game. Sadie Bradford was credited with the win, while Green secured the save.
Game one, originally scheduled for Friday, May 1, was postponed due to inclement weather and resumed the morning of Saturday, May 2, in Seguin. The Lady Tigers struck first, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the opening inning. O’Connor answered with two runs in the second and the game remained tight throughout.
The Panthers tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the sixth inning, setting the stage for late-game drama. After holding O’Connor scoreless in the top of the seventh, Lady Tiger’s Emma Phillips smacked a grounder and drove in Morgan Riley for the winning run to secure a 5-4 victory and complete the series sweep.
Green started in the circle for the Lady Tigers, with Bradford entering in relief in the fifth inning to help seal the win.
Following the game, head coach Wade Womack praised both teams’ efforts.
“We just beat a great team and it’s unfortunate we had to meet this early in the playoffs,” Womack said. “It was a close game and we executed when it mattered. We got a crucial bunt down late and Emma Phillips has been making great contact — she came through again and put the ball in play to bring in the winning run.”
With the victory, the Lady Tigers advance to the Regional Semifinals, where they will face the Canyon High School Cougars at 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Hays High School.
