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The Weimar Ladycats are set to take on the Como-Pickton Lady Eagles in the State Championship game after taking a 3-0 victory over the Crawford Lady Pirates in the semifinal game. The state tournament projected to be the most difficult road as each of the final four teams spent much of the season in the top three of the TGCA rankings. The Ladycats took on the team that frequently occupied the #1 spot as the Lady Pirates closed the curtain on a great season after a highly competitive game. The Lady Eagles will likely be a tough task as well as they have been one of the best teams in the state due to their elite defense and highly effective offense. Weimar will have to deal with different challenges against Como-Pickton as they look to secure the state title.
At a record of 38 wins to just two losses, the Como-Pickton Lady Eagles are in the midst of one of the best softball seasons in the state and are looking to put a bow on their year with a state championship. To accomplish this, the Lady Eagles will be looking to use their potent abilities on both sides of the ball to lead their way. They score at a high rate, notching just over nine runs a game as they torched opposing pitchers and defenses. They have scored 12 or more points on eight different occasions this season with three of those coming in the playoffs. They have matched their season-high game total of 16 twice with one coming in the playoffs. Both came in shutout victories as their defense also provides elite production. Their only losses of the season came in the regular season opener, and in a regular season game against Franklin, a 3A team that just finished their season in the Regional Final round.
Just as potent as their offense has been, the Lady Eagle defense provides a different wrinkle to Como-Pickton's dangerous attack. They have allowed less than 40 runs all season good for around one run per game. With 24 shutouts on the season, many of the runs came against opponents with offenses just as potent as the Lady Eagles. The highlight of the season for Como-Pickton came during a big March as they reeled off nine shutout victories in a row, then won a game in which they allowed one run before moving on to take four more shutout victories.
In order for the Ladycats to do some significant damage and give themselves an opportunity to win the state championship, they will need to rely on many of the same tools that allowed them to also become one of the state's best teams. Spending much of the year ranked around third place in the state, the Ladycats have been looking to prove themselves at the highest level all season. To win, they will need to continue their big hitting performances and keep up their offense that scores just about eight runs per game. Weimar notched a season-high 19 runs earlier in the season against Flatonia, hinting to their ability to explode on offense. The Ladycats also have a knack for shutouts as well. Their victory against Crawford marked their 23rd shutout victory of the season. If Weimar can compete with Como-Pickton's pitching on offense and get a strong performance on the mound themselves from starting pitcher Reagan Wick, the Ladycats will likely have plenty of opportunities to give themselves a chance to win.
Find next week's edition of the Citizen for coverage on both State Championship tourney games.
