Deer return to regional final
1Two-time state softball champ Deer Park is back in the regional final for the first time since claiming its second title in 2014. The Deer committed five errors in a sloppy 3-0 setback with Cypress Ranch in Game 2 last week but took advantage of better field conditions at the University of Houston to secure a 6-2 victory in Game 3. Pitcher Maddie Nelson was effective, allowing only two runs (one earned) on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. “She threw well. Whatever (assistant coach) Errica (Cantu) asks her to throw, she throws it,” coach Carrie Austgen said. Sara Vanderford was clutch at the plate, contributing in both threerun innings in which they scored all their runs. She went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. “We were seeing the ball really well, and just being ourselves and playing how we know to play,” the sophomore second baseman said. They’re back at UH for the Region III-6A final with Katy after winning the flip with coach Kalum Haack, who didn’t want to return to the site of his team’s 2-1 loss to Deer Park in their last playoff matchup, a one-game-regional semi in 2012.