Lady Hornets return to regional semis
PARIS, Texas—Hooks is in the softball regional semifinals for the second straight year, but the Lady Hornets haven't yet reached their destination.
Hooks (30-3-1) faces Howe (184) in a best-of-3 series to determine the Region II-3A semifinal winner. All the games are scheduled for Paris Chisum High School with Game 1 at 7 p.m. today, and the second game at 6 p.m. Friday. If a third game is needed, it will follow a 30-minute intermission.
“The girls are ready, the girls are mentally prepared,” Hooks coach Neal Kiser said. “Any coach will tell you (players) having playoff experience is invaluable, and we only graduated three off that team, two starters. Having that experience is huge, and they talk among themselves about how much better they're prepared because they've been here. They've been talking to the few freshmen we have, trying to prepare them for it. It definitely makes a difference.”
The Hornets swept Redwater, 6-2 and 6-5, in the regional quarterfinals. Howe eliminated Pottsboro, 7-1 and 7-3.
“Everything I've been able to get on Howe and everybody I talked to say the same thing: They're just a quality all-around team,” Kiser said. “They have a good experienced pitcher, big sticks throughout the lineup and they're not going to make a lot of mistakes. It's going to be a tough series, but we'll be OK if we show up and play like we're capable.”
Marena Estell starts at pitcher for Hooks, and Abby Russ will be the catcher. Around the infield, Kaylee Pope plays first base, Sidney Pardue is at second, Korey Brooks third, and Kenley Kyles shortstop. In the outfield, Madison Whisenhunt plays left, Brandi Hout will be in center, and Sadie Denburger in right. Rachel Latimer is the designated player.
“We've been wanting to get to where we are, and we're playing very well,” Kiser said. “We've preached to the girls that every team left playing is a good, quality team; we're one of those good, quality teams as well. I would put us up against anybody in the state when we're playing like we're capable of playing, our minds are right and our hearts are right.”
The winner advances to play either Hughes Springs or Lone Oak in the regional final next week with a trip to Austin and the state tournament on the line.