Softball falls to Lake Travis in first round of playoffs

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Photo by Brian Robinson

The varsity girls celebrate a run in the third game against Lake Travis. The varsity softball team lost the first round series to end their playoff run.

Sallie Chambers, Rumbler Staffer

The varsity softball team finished their season 9-5 in district, placing third overall, qualifying for playoffs.

“Our main goal was to make playoffs, which we did,” senior Kayleigh Norte said. “I’m very proud of the team for coming together and competing against hard 6A teams. We represented Rouse well.”

This was the second year in a row the team qualified for playoffs.

“We have had a very successful season as we finished in the top three of our district and represented the Rouse softball program in playoffs,” senior Ara Matos said. “From the beginning of our season we set our eyes on winning, not just the games themselves, but every inning which allowed us to be successful.”

In the first round of playoffs, the team faced Lake Travis in a 2-out-of-3 series. They traveled to Lake Travis May 1 for a doubleheader, winning the first game, 11-10.

“First game our bats were hot and defense was scrappy,” Matos said. “The team walked on that field ready to win which is exactly what we did.”

The second game also had a lot of hits and runs, with Lake Travis escaping with an 8-7 win and forcing a game three. The team returned to their home field for the decisive final game May 2, losing 15-8 and ending their playoff run.

“We were playing for each other, wanting to win and move on to the next round,” Norte said. “We fell short in the end, but I wouldn’t want to go to battle with any other team.”