With a brand new stadium in its pocket, the Dripping Springs Tiger softball team reverted back to its old ways last weekend.
A 6-0 mark over the course of three days allowed the Tigers to capture the 11th annual Brittany Tuck Memorial Softball tournament title in convincing fashion.
Dripping Springs (10-2) completed the sweep by putting up 46 runs over the course of six games, while Tiger pitching tallied four shutouts.
For a team that returns all nine starting positions on the field, optimism is high as they ready for a new district.
Tiger softball head coach Wade Womack said the Tigers bring a one-two punch in the circle with senior Kiele Miller and junior Paige Leschber. Joining them will be Kyndall Womack, who provides a third option for the Tigers.
He said the three arms help the Tigers stay fresh in the circle as they hit district play. Womack said Miller has been on bar and “she’s bringing it and she’s hitting her spots.”
Leschber, who returned roughly two weeks ago, is “getting back into the groove again,” Womack said.
“We have a clear one and two, but it’s nice having that third come in and save an arm,” Womack said.
Dripping Springs returns a defense that had several players selected as 25-5A first team all district.
Sophomore infielder Camille Corona, who was the 25-5A defensive MVP last year, is joined by Leschber, Hayley Odell, Ryan and Sydney Campbell, who were also first team selections.
While the Tigers committed a few errors last week, Womack said the team is getting used to the dirt again.
“We’re strong defensively, we haven’t given up many runs yet and hopefully that continues ... We’ve had great pitching, we’re hitting our spots and our defense is coming through in clutch situations.” Wade Womack, Tiger softball coach
On offense, Womack said the Tigers are looking to set on better pitches, rather than chasing after them.
Making those adjustments and swinging “at quality pitches” could lead to improvement over last year, Womack said.
Entering 26-5A play will provide a new challenge for the Tigers. Womack said Lockhart and Seguin have a majority of their starters returning, while Medina Valley, a 5A power, is “always solid.”
“It’s going to be a tough district,” Womack said. “One that’s going to prepare us for the playoffs.”
Ensuring strong and consistent defensive play on the field is what Womack aims to work on as they prepare for district play.
“Heading into district, if we can roll defensively, I think our bats will follow,” Womack said.
But the chance to play on a field of dreams is an incentive for what the Tigers hope could be a successful season.
“Both baseball and softball deserve to have something like this,” Womack said.
