LUFKIN — Groveton’s prowess on the diamond has the team romping through the postseason and climbing through the ranks, as the Texas Girls Coaches Association has ranked the Lady Indians 10th in the state in Class 2A Division 1.
Groveton claimed two games over Cushing last week, downing them 8-1 on April 28 and blanking the Galkats 15-0 on Friday to take the area title and moves on to the regional semifinals.
In the April 28 game, Groveton started strong and stayed strong, racking up 5 runs in the first inning, 2 in the third and another in the fourth, all before Cushing could hit the scoreboard in the top of the fifth.
The game was mostly in the hands of Abi Kayte Roberts, who worked the mound in top form with 16 strikeouts while giving up only two hits. At the plate, Roberts went 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs to lead the offense.
Lainee Reed, Reaghan Benton and Maryssa Rivers added hits in the effort, with Benton adding a pair of stolen bases.
On Friday, the Lady Indians run-ruled Cushing in 3 innings.
Groveton scored 5 runs in the first, 8 in the second and another 2 in the third behind a home run by Gracie Kane, tallying their 15 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.
Rivers had 2 hits to lead the team, and Madisen Howard, Benton, Kane, Kambrie Crawford and Kayleigh Albus all added hits.
Roberts again had mound duty, firing 6 strikeouts and giving up 1 hit in 2 innings. Abbey Thornton came in the final stanza, tossing 3 strikeouts.
Groveton faces the Alba Golden Panthers in a best-of-3 series beginning Wednesday in Rusk.
The Lady Eagles’ softball season came to an end last Wednesday after a pair of losses to Brookeland — 16-2 in the first game and 15-1 in the second.
Faith Smith took the mound in the first game, and after the first inning both teams were scoreless; in the second, though, Brookeland posted 14 runs, adding another 2 in the fourth. Apple Springs’ runs also came in the fourth inning.
Smith tossed 2 strikeouts while giving up 4 walks and 9 hits, and she and Brilynn Hicks had the lone hits for the team.
In the second game, Brookeland pitchers gave up only 2 hits while striking out 10 to keep Apple Springs at bay. The Lady Eagles’ lone run came in the first inning.
Smith and Summer Lamb had the lone hits for the team, and Lamb the sole RBI, driving home Abrie McWhorter on a double.
Smith was on the mound again, throwing 3 strikeouts but giving up 10 hits and 5 walks.
