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The Lady Cards’ varsity softball team worked all season to reach this point as the postseason approaches. The 20th ranked 3A team on TGCA’s final state softball poll of the regular season had a district season that checked nearly all of the boxes in their chase of a district championship and a high seeding to enter the playoffs. There were just a few things they needed to finish in first place in their district standings. The first, limiting their district losses, was accomplished by the Lady Cards taking just one loss in their second game of the district season. They went on to have a 12-game winning streak to finish the season and accomplished their second check on the list, beating Hallettsville to overtake their spot in first place. After their win against Hallettsville, their final goal was to win out the rest of the season to claim the district title. They officially claimed that ultimate goal after finishing the season with big wins against Edna and Rice last week. The Lady Cards took their share of the district championship after finishing at the top of the standings with a lone district loss in a tie with the one-loss Lady Brahmas. After a postseason warm up game against the stellar Ladycats from Weimar, the Lady Cards will prepare for their first round of the playoffs against Marion on Friday, April 28 in Columbus.
Vs Edna, W, 5-0
The Lady Cards found a high level of success on the defensive end as they held Edna to a shutout in a victory. Columbus did not allow many opportunities for the Cowgirls to get on base and do damage with their hitting. Starting pitcher Mayson Post did a lot of damage against the Edna hitters as she pitched for four innings and allowed only a single hit. Karlee Mathis came in as relief and helped the Lady Cards hold on to the shutout victory.
Columbus was led in hitting by Bailey Gustus who led the team with two hits and an RBI to aid the scoring effort for the Lady Cards. She also made a big play defensively in the fourth inning to help Columbus keep Edna scoreless. Gustus dove for a tough catch in the fourth to save a hit and likely a goose-egg-breaking run by the Cowgirls.
Vs Rice, W, 13-3
Columbus took a short trip to Rice High School to face off against their county rivals the Lady Raiders. This game was evidence of trends that had proven to be true all season: the Lady Cards had a strong combination of impressive offense and defense, while the Lady Raiders showed flashes of success but struggled to sustain it throughout the game. The game between the top team in the district and one of the teams at the bottom of the standings showed that dynamic as Columbus held on for a dominating win against Rice.
Sophia Wolters took the lead from the plate as the Lady Cards racked up 13 total hits. She finished with two hits and three RBIs, both of which were the team’s leading totals. Mayson Post, Ellie Brown and Ella Berger also tied for the team-lead in hits with two apiece.
Mia Post got the start on the mound for Columbus and delivered with just two hits while striking out five batters in three innings. Post finished her district season with a 5-0 starting pitcher record and did not allow a single earned run in her starts.
