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PLAY BALL: No. 4 Houston Christian in SPC Title conversation
No. 4 Houston Christian Mustangs
The Mustangs look to get back to the SPC Championship game and win it all in 2024.
That’s the goal.
Cassidy Bowen has the squad to do it too, with nine starters returning from a team that went 18-12 a year ago. Trinity University-commit Riley Warnica and Alvin Community College-commit Jadyn Granere return to anchor this squad. Granere was also an All-SPC selection along with MC Been and Emily Thompson.
Other players to watch include Maddie Pickett and Millie Metz. Bowen is looking for her squad to compete in the circle with an added arm to the rotation, while playing bigger, faster and stronger.
Also, this team being a year older with another year of experience under their belt will be a major factor in their success.
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ON THE RISE: SPC Finalist HCHS Softball, Baseball exceeds precedence
When it comes to their respective reputations on the diamond, both Houston Christian Softball and Baseball tend to uphold the gold standard.
Prior to the season’s start, Head Softball Coach Cassidy Bowen anticipated an upgrade from the fourth-place finish the Mustangs saw a year prior.
That was certainly the case this Spring, as Houston Christian was a force to be reckoned with in the SPC, with a lineup composed of premier competitors.
Houston Christian's MC BeenJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Sophomore 1B MC Been was a dynamic contributor throughout the year, leading HCHS in batting average (.449), stolen bases (15), hits (40), and runs scored (35). Fellow sophomores, SS Maddie Pickett and 2B Lily Herveat also played integral roles at bat, while holding down the infield.
Given the youth on her team, Coach Bowen looked to her juniors, C Jadyn Granere, 3B Emily Thompson, and CF Riley Warnica, to set the pace for Houston Christian.
Houston Christian's Jadyn GranereJuan De Leon (VYPE)
They did so in momentous fashion, leading the Mustangs to a 20-12 overall record, capped off by an 11-10 nail-biter against St. John’s in the SPC Semifinals, before ultimately becoming the State Runner-Ups after falling to their district rivals, Episcopal, in the Championship game this week.
On the baseball side, Head Coach Tom Gladney had a talented roster to direct in his first year on the job, resulting in a refined level of play.
Houston Christian's Matt ZapotekJuan De Leon (VYPE)
With senior RHP/1B Matt Zapotek (2022 All-SPC), Seth Perkins (Jr. OF/LHP), and junior 3B/RHP Jack Henning (2022 All-SPC) leading the charge, Houston Christian enjoyed a remarkable Spring season, concluding with a 21-7 record.
Subsequently, HCHS outclassed St. Mark’s in the SPC Semis before similarly falling to Epsicopal in the Title game.
2022-23 Houston Christian BaseballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Despite the season not being capped off the way they would’ve hoped, Houston Christian Softball and Baseball each had commendable seasons, not to mention they both surpassed their 2022 marks.
As the SPC Runner-Ups, expect the Mustangs to return next Spring with their eyes set on a rematch.