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STATE SEMIFINALS: Lovejoy gears up for Magnolia West
With a full season under their belts, the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards' baseball team has punched their ticket to the UIL Baseball State Tournament. In the program's first-ever appearance at the state tournament, Lovejoy is looking to bring home a ring and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that goal a reality for themselves. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team's season so far:
So Far
Starting off the season with several strong non-district victories, the Lovejoy Leopards were able to set the tone of excellence for the year. Defeating tough opponents like Frisco Wakeland, Prosper Walnut Grove, McKinney Boyd, and more, the Leopards used every moment as a learning opportunity to get set for a district schedule that was sure to see not only tough opponents, but opportunities for growth.
Through district play, Lovejoy posted an undefeated 12-0 record and finished the regular season as the top of their district standings. Dylan Sears, Grant Harlan, Kyle Branch, Braden Smith, Reese Ogden, Beau Maddux, Jackson LaTorre, and other athletes played key roles in taking down the likes of Melissa, Greenville, Sherman, Denison, Princeton, Plano East, and more in a dominating fashion; securing their spot in post-season play. In the post-season, the team showed up and showed out against Red Oak, Porter, Hallsville, Frisco, and, most recently, Forney keeping their goal of making it to the state tournament in mind.
What To Expect
With a 29-7-2 overall record, a 78% winning percentage, and having outscored their opponents by over a combined 144 runs this season, the Leopards aren't slowing down as they enter the state tournament. The team is set to take on a tough Magnolia West; who boasts a 26-14-1 overall record and has utilized the art of resiliency to help guide them through the postseason.
Fans can expect Lovejoy to continue on a dominant streak as they look to come out strong early in the game in order to take control and seal the deal; punching their way into the state finals.
REGIONAL FINALS: Forney and Lovejoy baseball go head-to-head
Ready for anything, the Forney Jackrabbits and the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards baseball teams have been working all season for the chance to make their way to the UIL Baseball State Tournament. Now, both teams are just one series victory away from punching their ticket-- all they have to do is make it past each other! VYPE DFW takes a look into these teams' seasons so far as they enter their regional finals series!
Forney Jackrabbits (31-11-1, 9-3)
Boasting an incredible record this season, the Forney Jackrabbits have made it their mission to put a stop to anyone they play against. Learning from tough moments on the field, the team posted several victories through non-district play that set the tone for the rest of the season. Securing wins over Sunnyvale, Mesquite Poteet, Kaufman, Lake Ridge, and more helped the team prepare for a tough district schedule.
Finishing second in their district with only three losses against district opponents, the Jackrabbits recorded big victories over Crandall (3-2, 10-0), Terrell (6-1, 13-2), Ennis (2-0), Lancaster (10-1, 7-0), and more before finding themselves poised for a strong playoff run. So far in the playoffs, the likes of Dylan Clark, Caleb Turner, Lucas Ramsey, Eli Benavides, Andrew Swint, and others have helped guide the team to victories over Melissa (1-0, 8-0), Whitehouse (0-4, 2-1, 3-1), Lufkin (4-1, 0-1, 4-3), and Frisco Lone Star (0-2, 10-0, 3-2).
Lucas Lovejoy Leopards (27-7-2, 12-0)
Dylan Sears, Aarren Marshall, Grant Harland, Kyle Branch, Matthew Mainord, Nolan Novotny, Parker McGrael, and other talented athletes have helped lead the Leopards to a successful season so far this spring. Setting the tone against non-district opponents, Lovejoy defeated Frisco Wakeland, El Paso Americas, Prosper Walnut Grove, Conway, and others as they sharpened their skills for the rest of their regular season schedule.
In district, the Leopards left no stone unturned as they took down each opponent with zero hesitation. Showcasing their power over the likes of Melissa (1-0, 5-2), Greenville (3-0, 11-1), Denison (10-0, 19-1), and others, the Leopards outscored their opponents in dominating fashion by utilizing timely hits and powerful defensive plays. Once in the playoffs, the team downed Red Oak (10-1, 7-2), Porter (3-2, 4-1), Hallsville (2-3, 3-2, 3-0), and Frisco (10-2, 7-1) in order to make it to the regional finals.
What To Expect:
Both teams are tested, challenged, resilient, and focused. As they enter the regional finals series, fans can be sure that these squads are going to leave it all on the field. Looking to make a statement victory, Forney is willing to pull out all the stops while Lovejoy is looking to take an early lead and hold it. Both teams can be expected to play hard with high hopes of punching their ticket to the state tournament.