Softball goes undefeated in first tournament of the year

Anna Frost, Staff Writer • February 24, 2022

Sophomore pitcher no. 5 Skylar Rucker looks over before pitching. Rucker’s pitch caused a strikeout for John Paul’s batter.

The softball team played in their first tournament of the season this past weekend on Friday and Saturday, winning 4-0. With the tournament and a few games under their belt, the team currently stands at a 5-1 record.

“We are striving to get back to where we got last year, which was the regional semi-final championship, one game away from making it to state,” junior infielder Hannah Harvey said. “This has been our motivation ever since that loss last season. Our main goal is to win state, but we are also keeping our focus on taking it one district game at a time and staying level-headed.”

The team started the tournament with a 3-1 victory against Timber Creek. Junior Elliott Pomery had two hits and three RBIs in two at-bats, with Skylar Rucker leading the way on the mound.

“Elliott Pomeroy played very well against Timber Creek,” junior catcher Sydney Bardwell said. “She tied the game up with a double and made amazing catches in the outfield.”

Following Timber Creek, the leopards shut out Fossil Ridge in a 17-0 win. The team then went up against the Haltom Buffalos, with another win of 15-0, while scoring six runs in the first inning. Sophomore Alexis Hayes led the team with four RBIs.

“The team played well this past weekend,” head coach DJ Lopez said. “We had great effort and played fast. We went 5-0 on the week overall, and the girls swung the bats well. We can always get better in all phases of the game as some of our young girls are learning the speed of the varsity game and understanding the importance of details within an entire game.”

To conclude the tournament, the team defeated Grapevine 8-3. Bardwell came away with three hits and four RBIs, and freshman Taylor Bradshaw had two hits along with two RBIs.

“I think we can continue to work on attacking early and being more vocal on the field,” Bardwell said. “My personal goal for this season is to be the best teammate I can be and also be a huge leader this season.”

Prosper defeated the Leopards on Tuesday, and the team was scheduled for the Dripping Springs tournament this coming weekend; however, it was canceled due to weather. The team’s next match up will take place on March 5, at another tournament in Southlake.

“We are always ready for the next challenge, and that’s the mindset we are trying to instill in our girls and the program,” Lopez said. “I have looked forward to this season as soon as our last game ended last year, and I’m excited to roll with these girls and their families for another great year.”

About the Contributors

Anna Frost, Section Editor

Beginning her fourth and final year on TRL, senior Anna Frost is excited to take on her new role as Photo Editor. Frost is a member of the cross country and track and field teams, and when she is not at the track, she is in the classroom studying history and pushing herself in her school work. Frost likes meeting new people and exploring different cultures, and is excited to see where her future takes her. Anna loves music, and is in her church worship band. She also likes to explore new genres of music. Frost can’t wait for an amazing final year on staff, and is so excited to see the places it will take her.

Sydney Stout, Photographer

Senior Sydney Stout is excited to return to The Red Ledger this year as a photographer. She worked for four years as a photographer. You can often find Stout on the football field running around with a giant camera around her neck or in the newsroom. She walks with a pep in her step and is always willing to chat. Stout enjoys running, debate, photography, traveling and driving around with friends. She is friendly, kind, and in some ways, in her world, an “icon.” She is an outstanding friend and is excited to see what this year has in store for her.