Dateline: May 8, 2008

Lady Broncs moving closer to state title 

By Sandy Anderberg, Clarendon Enterprise

“All the way, baby!” is the motto for this year’s Lady Bronco softball team (17-3), and so far they are right on track to make that trip to the state softball game. 

As the Enterprise was going to press, the Lady Broncos were ranked tenth in the state in Class 1A by the Texas State Coaches Poll.

Clarendon edged one step closer to the state title with a big two-game win in a best two-out-of-three game with Ranger in Abilene May 2-3 to claim the Area Championship.  The ladies squeaked out a 2-1 win in the first game and a 14-11 win in the second. 

“It was a couple of pretty intense games,” Head Coach Gary Jack said. “They wanted it really bad, and we played really well.  Both teams pitched great, and we were very closely matched.  They were both great play off games.”

Danielle Ford pitched the first game and was credited with several strikeouts.  Sade Cobb got the call in the second game and pitched well, also. 

“Danielle did a great job in the first game,” Jack said.  “She got us out of a big jam in the sixth when we were ahead 2-1, and they had runners on first and third with no outs.  She was able to get the next three batters out, and no one scored.” 

Jenci White also made a great catch in center field, and Jack also gave credit to Dominique Mason for great relief running. 

The early momentum belonged to Ranger in the second game, and the Lady Broncos trailed 1-7 in the first two innings. 

“Sade pitched the second game and did well, and she had good defense behind her,” Jack said. 

The ladies were determined to get the second win to end the series and continued to fight even after Ranger regained the lead.

Jack noted that great hits were made by Macy Shadle, Erin Holland, Elissa Holland, Brandi Mays, and Janae White.

“Sade made a great bunt in the first game to bring a couple in at a very crucial time after Danielle Ford knocked down a big triple.”

The win over Ranger allowed the Lady Broncos to advance to the next level which is the Regional Quarterfinals against Quanah.  It will be another best two-out-of-three and will be played on each team’s home fields. 

“We will play the first game on Thursday, May 8, at Quanah at 5:00,” Jack said.  “The second and third game (if needed) will be played in Clarendon on Saturday, May 10, at 2:30 pm. 

“They are a much improved team. We’ve got to be ready to go play,” Jack said.