Archives > Sports > Schools
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Fun factor at all-time high for Lady Lobos
BY ANDREW MAY, Staff Writer
There was a time when the only fun the Little Elm softball team was having came in the form of dysfunction.
The perennial doormat began changing that last season by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in program history. The enjoyment level has only skyrocketed since.
In the midst of a 13-game win streak, the Lady Lobos don’t have much to be down about. They won their second straight tourney title over the weekend by taking top honors at the Rock ‘n Roll tournament. A decisive, demonstrative 11-0 victory over Lake Dallas in Tuesday’s District 5-4A opener has Little Elm (19-1) ranked 17th in the state in the latest Texas Girls Coaches Association poll.
The only time the outspoken Garza raised his voice Tuesday was when his players were being too timid on the base paths. Simply getting runners aboard was the bigger issue in years past.
“It’s fun talking about the little bitty tiny things as opposed to the big things. They’re professional problems, they’re big girl problems,” Garza said. “It lets me use some of my knowledge that I haven’t gotten to use the last couple of years, which is fun. I’m almost at a loss for words and that’s difficult. All I can do is brag on them at this point. I have zero complaints.”
Junior pitcher Brittany Talley, who is leading the team in batting average, hurled her second no-hitter of the season against Lake Dallas. The balls that were put in play by the Lady Falcons were engulfed by fielders that have more confidence in their abilities.
Garza compared senior first baseman Ariel Kemmerer to Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.
“She is standing on her head making cleat saves,” Garza joked. “You can’t get a ball by her.”
Five- and six-error games have been replaced by mostly mistake-free softball. Garza credits that to his players’ thirst for knowledge. He said the pace is frenetic when discussing routine material and at a classroom level when going over more intricate details.
Seven different players recorded extra-base hits against the Falcons, led by a three-run shot in the fourth inning by freshman Jasmyn Dunning. Other timely hits were supplied by Talley, Kemmerer, Lauren Witzke, Jaedy Smith, Rocky Angleman and Ash Angleman.
The pressure that Little Elm previously experienced when trailing early in games has been reversed. The “paper champions” now have the mental edge based on their record and state ranking. A couple unanswered runs are often good enough to sap the will of the opponent.
“We’re a little bit of a big dog,” Garza said. “They’re really smart and having such a great time. They are just going out and having fun.”
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Little Elm «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
