Tears welled in the eyes of Hays Rebel head softball coach Lisa Cone when she realized just how emotionally significant Tuesday’s 13-0 run-rule win over the Vandegrift Vipers was for her team.
Hays’ 13-run bombardment of Vandegrift capped off a regular season that culminated with the 25-6A crown. It also helped the Rebels shake off their only district loss to Vista Ridge which was suffered late last week.
Perhaps more symbolic, Hays’ run total Tuesday corresponded to the number worn by Brynn Aylor, who was tragically killed in a car accident roughly a month ago.
It was a bittersweet moment for Cone, who understood the range of emotions her team has experienced.
“I know we had a little extra angel out there. I know that’s what the girls are thinking. We got some help tonight ... The kids have worked hard this year and played through things that you couldn’t quite imagine.” Lisa Cone, Lady Rebel coach
Hays’ win was anchored by a dominant performance from pitcher Maxine Valdez, who recorded a career-high 15 strikeouts in a two-hit, five inning performance.
After allowing a lead-off base hit, Valdez settled in and struck out the next nine Viper batters in a row.
But Valdez ran into trouble in the top of the fourth inning when the Vipers drew a pair of walks and a base hit to load the bases with one out.
Even when the pressure was on, Valdez kept cool and calmly recorded two strikeouts to retire the side.
Cone said Valdez worked to try and throw different pitches.
“If something isn’t working, going back to what’s working helps,” Cone said.
Valdez said having support from her defense also played a role in getting out of the game. Use of her screwball and riseball helped keep Viper bats in check.
“I just gave myself a boost of confidence that I could still do it and my team was there too,” Valdez said. “It helped a lot.”
While Valdez dominated in the circle, Hays’ offense found success with patience.
Hays capitalized on struggles suffered by Vandegrift pitcher Sydney Wunsch, who battled command issues during her four inning outing.
The Rebels plated three runs in the second inning via an RBI single from Abbie Blackwell and a two-RBI base hit from Kayln Davis. Hays added three more runs in the third frame before breaking the game open with seven runs in the fourth inning.
Hays sent ten batters to the plate and recorded three hits while drawing five walks.
“At first we were swinging at the high stuff, but we settled down and we were patient at the plate,” Cone said. “It helped us get something going.”
Hays now readies for what it hopes is a deep postseason run. Cone said the team “learned a lot” from the loss to Vista Ridge.
“It was good to learn that we can’t take anything for granted,” Cone said.
Valdez said the win meant a lot to the team as they continue to play for Aylor.
“We’ll keep playing for her and give it all we’ve got,” Valdez said.
