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The Elgin Lady ‘Cats softball team found their groove last week, reeling off three straight wins to close out the Round Rock tournament.
Overall, Elgin went 4-1 in their recent slate of games, which brings their record to 8-4 so far this season. They showed they’re able to win in multiple ways, whether that be low-scoring defensive battles or offensive shootouts.
Before tournament action kicked off, the Lady Wildcats hosted the New Braunfels Unicorns, Feb. 21, for some non-district competition.
The Lady ‘Cats relied on stellar defense and great pitching from Jessica Cantrell, who’s picked up right where she left off last season. Cantrell recorded 12 strikeouts and allowed just six hits, which resulted in one run for the Unicorns in the second inning.
After being held scoreless for the first three innings, Elgin’s offense began to answer the bell. Paiton Altmiller and Madison Woehl each scored runs for the Lady ‘Cats, one coming in the fourth inning and the other in the seventh and final inning. The defense held their ground down the stretch to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Lady ‘Cats began tournament play against the Madison Mavericks. After the fourth inning, the Mavericks had a 6-0 advantage. Elgin tried to claw their way back at the end, but it was too little, too late. Elgin was defeated 6-3.
Altmiller, Jaylan Roberson and Nadia Sagastume each scored runs for the Lady ‘Cats. Roberson and freshman Bianca Galindo tallied an RBI.
The Lady ‘Cats would respond in a major way in their following game versus the Round Rock Dragons. Aside from a first-inning run, the Round Rock offense was completely shut down.
Once again, Cantrell brought her A-game, striking out 12 batters and giving up just three hits. Davis recorded a whopping 13 putouts to lead the way among fielders.
Cantrell showcased her versatility by ripping off a home run and four RBIs in addition to a dominant pitching performance. Roberson and Galindo both scored two runs to help propel Elgin to a 5-1 win.
Their next matchup versus the Lake Belton Broncos featured a thrilling seventh inning of offensive fireworks.
It was a defensive battle for most of the way, as Lake Belton held a 2-1 lead going into the final inning. The Broncos then extended their lead to 4-1 after their final at-bat, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.
The Lady ‘Cats suddenly exploded with hits from all around. Roberson, Woehl, Sagastume and Dakota Brown all scored, and Elgin won 5-4. Galindo contributed with 2 RBIs, and Davis had 12 putouts.
Elgin closed out their tournament with a dominant performance over the Stony Point Tigers. Stony Point was ahead 5-3 after the second inning, but the Lady ‘Cats flipped the script, scoring 11 runs over the next two innings while keeping the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the contest. Elgin won 14-5.
Galindo had a game to remember. She hit a home run, had two RBIs and earned three runs. Roberson also had an excellent performance, as she scored four runs and drove in two RBIs. Runs were also scored by Woehl, Cantrell, Brown, Dani King, Elizabeth Pritchett and Trinity Martinez.
Elgin will compete in another tournament starting March 3 before entering district play.
