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Baylee McClure (left) talks with Hermleigh senior pitcher Kelsey Digby during Wednesday’s thank you pep rally. The Lady Cardinals will play Dodd City at 11 a.m. Friday in the state semifinals at Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Dee Dillon Field in Belton. -
Hermleigh softball coach Heath Gibson (back to camera) talks to his team before they departed for the Class 1A state softball tournament today.
Hermleigh softball players left a lasting impression on the community’s youth with their historical run to the Class 1A state tournament.
Hermleigh will play Dodd City at 11 a.m. Friday in the state semifinals at Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Dee Dillon Softball Field in Belton. Bartlett will play Slocum in the second semifinal game at 1 p.m.
The winners will advance to Saturday’s championship game at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin.
Senior first baseman Aaliyah Sneed thanked a long list of people who contributed to the program, followed by a meet-and-greet between players and fans.
Hermleigh Junior High School cheerleaders performed two cheers and fans walked onto the field for photos with this season’s four playoff trophies before lightning ended the program.
Four youth, who play softball and baseball in summer leagues, were among those at Wednesday night’s thank you pep rally at Lady Cardinal Field.
Gage Gibson, the son of head coach Heath Gibson and who plays for the Hermleigh Little League team, said the Lady Cardinals were an inspiration.
“They are so good about keeping the ball in front of them,” he said. “They have a lot of fun and love to play the game. They are my role models and showed me things that I can use in baseball.”
Gage Gibson, who will be in the sixth grade this fall, said he also was proud of his dad.
“The girls are going to the state tournament because of my dad’s good coaching,” he said. “It’s an exciting time and the team has a chance to win the state championship. Hermleigh is a small town and a lot of people thought we could not make it to the state tournament.”
Tyson Digby, the younger brother of shortstop Lilliyan Digby, said the girls are his role models and provide encouragement as he plays summer baseball.
“They have done well this year,” said Digby, who will be a fifth grader. “The girls always give good effort. I tried to watch and learn from them. I would be surprised if they won, but proud of what they have accomplished.”
Ty Thompson, the younger sister of Aaliyah Sneed and Brishaya Sneed, talked about her sisters’ influence.
“I’m very proud of my sisters and feel like a lucky person to be their sister,” Thompson said. “I play summer ball and they have inspired me. I watched their games and want to be as good as my sisters and the remainder of the team. When I get to high school, I want to do as well.”
Thompson voiced confidence that the Lady Cardinals will have a successful weekend.
“I feel that we will win,” Thompson said. “I’m proud not only of my sisters, but the team.”
Hailey Minton, who will be a fifth grader, may be one of the team’s biggest supporters.
“It has been a big accomplishment what they have done so far,” Minton said. “Hermleigh never has got to state and the girls worked hard for this. Watching them catch and throw the ball inspires me and helps my play.”
Minton said winning the next two games would top the season.
“It would mean a lot to win the state tournament,” Minton said. “It would be an awesome memory for Hermleigh ISD.”
The team left the school this morning with an escort by the Scurry County Sheriff’s Department and fans along the highway.
The Snyder Daily News will post updates from the Hermleigh-Dodd City on its Facebook page Friday. A complete recap of the game will be published on the newspaper’s website, www.snyderdailynews.com, Friday afternoon.