Lady Tigers win district opener

GIDDINGS — The Smithville High School varsity softball team opened 4A-District 22 play on a high note Tuesday, March 12 as the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Buffaloes of Giddings High School 10-5 on the road.

Lady Tigers sophomore Addison Otto led off the game with a solo home run and freshman Brittney Collins had a two-run single to put Smithville up 3-0 early.

After Giddings got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, Smithville continued to score. The Lady Tigers got a run-scoring single from Otto and an RBI double from senior Raini Stanley to help them lead 6-2.

Following an RBI double from Smithville senior Claire Kennon in the top of the fourth frame, Giddings would eventually get back within a 7-5 deficit. However, the Lady Tigers made sure to add three more insurance runs in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by sophomore Kenna Tiner, a run-scoring triple by Otto and an RBI fielder’s choice by freshman Brityn Roberts.

Otto had herself a solid outing in the circle for Smithville as she pitched seven innings with nine strikeouts, five hits allowed and just three earned runs.

Smithville (10- 6-3 overall, 1-0 district record), under Head Coach Wayne Otto, was scheduled March 19 to travel to rival La Grange High School and will be back at home Friday, March 22 at 6 p.m. to host Caldwell High School.