GAMES
RANKINGS
Katy's Ella Kate "EK" Smith
THE CLOSING STAGES: UIL Softball Regional Finals Preview
Here is a breakdown of what's to come this week.
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Katy Tigers vs. Kingwood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Katy proved why they're one of the top teams in the nation, much less the state, when they swept a fellow powerhouse in Brazoswood (Game 1: 3-1, Game 2: 2-1), this past weekend.
The Tigers (39-1-1) now have their sights set on returning to Red & Charline McCombs Field for the first time since 2019, when they would ultimately take home the state championship trophy.
Coach Kalum Haack's laundry list of performers consists of Arkansas-signee Cameryn Harrison, Ella Kate "EK" Smith, Lauryn Soeken (LSU), Ashtyn Reichardt (Arkansas), Montgomery Henderson (Oklahoma State), Avery Porter (Mizzou), and Hailey Gore (Houston), among others.
Similarly, Kingwood is coming off a statement sweep against Heights (Game 1: 10-2, Game 2: 14-0), which brings their record to 35-7 on the year.
Coach Christa Williams-Yates and the Mustangs have college-level talent of their own, including Addy Sheppard (Arizona), Mia Gagliardi, Hunter Quentel, Sara Haug (Texas State), Ava Jolley (UMHB), Leilani Garcia, Abella Mata, and Kendall Yates.
While they've already achieved their goal of advancing the Region III Final, a point in which they reached in 2016. But, KHS isn't inclined to let their journey end now.
GAME 1: Thursday (7:00 pm) @ Kingwood HS
GAME 2: Friday (7:00 pm) @ Katy HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (7:00 pm) @ Kingwood HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Lake Creek Lions vs. Lake Belton Broncos
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
What a year it has been for Lake Creek softball.
In her first year as head coach, Candyce Carter has helped to guide the Lions (34-7) to their fourth-consecutive Region III-5A Final appearance, which is a testament to the level of talent the program brings in on a yearly basis.
They accomplished this feat by triumphing in last week's pivotal series against Foster (Game 1: 8-6, Game 2: 3-5, Game 3: 9-1).
Lake Creek is nothing if not resilient, evidenced by their extra-innings comeback in Game 1, followed by their dominant performance in the series clincher, in which, Tarleton State-signee Alyson Higginbotham bruised the ball over the fence for a grand slam, to put an exclamation mark on the victory.
The Woodlands-transfer Chesney Davis (Texas State), Sara Wiggins, Madalyn Davis, Carmen Uribe (Central Arkansas), Piper White, and Bella Battaglia (Louisiana Christian) have also flourished in the big moments, which makes them a scary-good club for any team to contend with in the postseason.
On the other side of the diamond, Lake Belton (38-4) is coming off a Regional Semis nail-biter against Barbers Hill, in which they claimed a 4-2 win.
The Broncos are led by coach Kelsie McEachern, and feature an imposing roster that includes Casey Schultz (Tarleton State-signee), Angie DeLeon (Temple JC), Shelby Schultz (Tarleton State), Maddison Ruiz, Alexis Ortiz, and Madison Naser.
The opportunity to enter the UIL State Tournament is on the line, so this is one series you won't want to miss.
GAME 1: Wednesday (6:30 pm) @ Mumford HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Mumford HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (12:00 pm) @ Mumford HS
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Coach Michelle Rochinski accepts the NFHS Coach of the Year award, alongside her family
SWITCHING GEARS: Rochinski’s future at Lake Creek, following legendary coaching career
She had ultimately come to this decision prior to her team’s 8-0 victory against Comal Canyon in the Class 5A finale.
Along with concluding her time as her daughter’s coach, the knowledge of her intention makes it clear as to why all the emotions finally hit her as she walked off the field.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“Only a few people knew that it [the championship] was my last game as the softball coach,” said Rochinski. “There were several different emotions and thoughts at play when I started to tear up. But, the girls didn’t know until our meeting on Monday, because I didn’t want to make their moment about me. They’re the ones who fight and battle on the field, and it was their time to shine.”
Having started her 24-year coaching career at Klein, before moving on to Montgomery and eventually a brand-new Lake Creek school in 2018, it’s easy to empathize with Rochinski’s reasoning.
“It hasn’t always been easy,” she said. “My husband and my kids [Kalee and Cade] have been so supportive through all the ups and downs that we’ve gone through--the times when I’d still be in coaching mode with Kalee at home, and the long hours. We’ve had our heated moments, but in the long run, I wouldn’t take anything back.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
To cap off her coaching career, Rochinski was recognized as the NFHS Coach of the Year minutes before the Title game which would see the Lions come out on top, yet again.
However, Rochinski will continue her career at Lake Creek, as an assistant athletic coordinator, while remaining in education and possibly some assistant coaching roles. She will now be given the opportunity to pass on her experience to other coaches.
What advice might she share?
“Well, they’ve got to stay strong,” Rochinski said. “Things are different than they used to be twenty-something years ago, but we ultimately do this for the kids. So, we always have to keep that in mind. Even though parents may not think that we’re right, we’re in it to do what’s best for the kids and the programs.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Back-to-back championships, a record of 138-4 over the past four years, and an array of collegiate athletes--Michelle Rochinski will go down as a coaching legend.
Now, it’s time for her to move on to the next phase of her career.
“I don’t think Lake Creek is done, softball-wise,” said Rochinski. “They’re still going to be a great team. I’m looking forward to being able to sit in the stands and cheer them on. When I dropped the news to them, I let them know that I’m going to be their biggest fan.”
“It’s going to be hard for a little bit. But, I think I’ve made the right decision and I just think it’s time.”