By CJ Vetter
KYLE – The Hays Hawks softball team finished the season last Friday in a fierce game against the Round Rock Dragons at Westlake High. Going into extra innings, the Hawks played fiercely but lost 4 – 3 in a nail biter of a finish, ending their run in the regional quarterfinals.
The Hawks started strong, getting two runs in the first inning thanks to a home run from Katie Nobel, only for the Dragons to get three runs in the third. By managing to squeak out another run, the Hawks were able to tie the game up until the extra frame, when the Dragons were able to slip by with one more run to clinch the victory.
It was an incredibly hard-fought game, with neither side giving an inch, Hays Head Coach Lisa Cone said.
“We fought, we played a great game and I’m proud of the girls. I think that’s all I can say. We battled back and tied it up,” said Cone. “We put ourselves in a position to possibly score, and MJ got that great hit after battling, and you know, it just went right to somebody.”
While their season may be ending, the Hawks have made great strides, taking first place in their district, having won 22 out of the 29 games they played this season. They also ranked 54 out of all teams in Texas, 27 in their division, and 11 in their region. The team is immensely proud of its progress and is looking forward to the next season.
“I’m proud of the girls, they had a great season, and that’s what I want to focus on,” Cone said. “I’m proud of the kids, and you know, they’re champions in my book.”
The softball season has come to an end for Hays and will resume next spring. For more information, you can visit www.hayscisd.net/gohayshawks to learn more about the Hays Athletics department.
