It is a big week for the UIL state high school softball championships that are taking place at the University of Texas in Austin.
That is where Calallen will continue its amazing ride, as it is making its first trip to state in school history.
The Calallen High School softball team is swinging its way into the history books.
If you take a closer look at the history of Calallen’s program, it will show the rise to becoming a state competitor in just a few short years.
“It is rewarding to know that hard work pays off. We have told the girls over and over, nobody’s working as hard as you, nobody is making the sacrifices you are….and slowly and surely, you could see it in our opponents in different ways. That’s a huge life lesson that will stay with these girls for the rest of their lives. It will make them amazing young women,” said Calallen head softball coach Teresa Flores Lentz.
This season is one for the record books for head coach Teresa Flores Lentz and her staff. Making a playoff run is one thing, but trying to qualify for the state softball tournament is a whole different story.
So while the Lady Cats and the entire community are elated to pack their bags and head down to Austin, it does come with a little bit of pressure.
“I think the stage of actually being able to play on UT field is big for the girls, but honestly, the pressure is on them. No one excepts us to win, and they have to play with pressure of that number one seed,” said Lentz.
The 34-5 Lady Cats’ schedule played a big role in their progression as a state playoff contender.
“No doubt… we play in a 6A tournament in Houston every year that always has us seeing some great pitchers. We travel to Seguin and see all the schools in central Texas. And the teams in our area and district are all so talented, we are prepared for what’s to come in playoffs,” said Lentz.
Win or lose, they are pretty excited about the future of the program.
“Definitely excited because I know these girls are just going to work that much harder next year. They see what hard work gets you, and they are addicted to the success. On top of the example, they are having all the younger girls that come to our games. The expectation and the bar will just continue to grow,” said Lentz.
Calallen, looking to snap the (39-2) Colony Cougars’ 27 game winning streak, will open the 5A state semifinals Friday morning.
Game time is set for 9 a.m. at the Red and Charlene McCombs Softball Field at the University of Texas at Austin.
5A State semifinals:
The Colony (39-2) vs. Calallen (34-5)
9 a.m. Friday
Angleton (37-2) vs. Forney (36-3)
Noon Friday
5A final: 3 p.m. Saturday
