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BURN THE SHIPS: Houston Christian Softball galvanized to claim first-ever SPC Title
There’s no doubt that last year’s Houston Christian team was the best that audiences have witnessed on the softball diamond in recent memory.
The Mustangs finished the 2023 season with a final record of 18-12, highlighted by an appearance in the SPC State Championship, in which they ultimately fell to fellow powerhouse Episcopal.
That narrow defeat is still fresh in the minds of coach Cassidy Bowen and her team, which feeds into the mentality they possess this Spring.
“We expected our team to make a run for it and play in that game (SPC Championship) last year,” she said. “This year, we’re expecting to go and win that game. We’re back and we didn’t graduate anybody off that team. We’re not going to compete anymore, we’re going to win.”
All-SPC selections Jadyn Granere (Sr. C), MC Been (Jr. CF/1B), and Emily Thompson (Sr. 3B) return to the lineup, and will be complemented efficiently by the talents of Maddie Pickett (Jr. SS), Riley Warnica (Sr. OF/P), and junior 2B Lily Herveat, just to name a few.
“The difference between this year and others is the fact that we just don’t have a weak spot in the lineup,” said Bowen. “Everybody, top to bottom, puts a bat on the ball and can hit with power.”
Their lack of any discernible weaknesses should put the Mustangs in prime position to fulfill their team’s ultimate motivation.
“Our motto for this year’s team is ‘Burn the Ships’,” Bowen said. “We want to leave it all on the field. The senior class this year has been the group that has built what Houston Christian Softball is today, and we’re trying to give them a send-off in a big way.”
With a 6-2 start to the season – highlighted by exceptional initial performances by the aforementioned Granere, Been, and Warnica – it would appear that HCHS is certainly starting off on the right foot.
April’s SPC Championship is already within throwing distance for Coach Bowen and company.
SPC CHAMPS: Country Day Lady Falcons Soar to Glory
The Fort Worth Country Day Lady Falcons spent all season putting in the work to cap their year with the best moment of all: an SPC Title! With several strong victories throughout the season, it can be expected that the team can put in off-season work and get back to this level next season.
With victories over the likes of Brentwood Christian, All Saints Episcopal School, Trinity Valley, and more, the Lady Falcons were able to secure a playoff spot and power themselves through the SPC Championship tournament.
Kylie Carter, Carden Kimball, Emily Klein, Katie Bruce, Reagan Hall, Olivia Kersh, and others helped the Lady Falcons secure key moments on the court throughout the entire season. Fighting hard in the SPC semifinals, Fort Worth Country Day had a close battle with Austin St. Stephen's before closing out a 47-43 win; propelling them to the title match-up.
With a dominating presence on the court, the Lady Falcons posted a 45-20 victory over Austin St. Andrew's to secure the SPC title. As the team looks toward a long off-season, fans can expect to see the new athletes come in ready to continue the legacy of the Lady Falcons on the hardwoods. Be sure to keep your eyes on this program!