State tournament wait ends for Hermleigh Friday

The Hermleigh players’ wait for their first state softball tournament game will end at 11 a.m. Friday.

The Lady Cardinals will play Dodd City in the Class 1A state semifinals at Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Dee Dillon Softball Field in Belton.

The Lady Cardinals have not played since the Region 1-1A championship game with Ira on May 18 in Abilene. Dodd City’s last game was the Region 2-1A final against Gorman in Bowie.

“The players had great attitudes during the two weeks and did their work,” Hermleigh head coach Heath Gibson. “We practiced at 11 most mornings because that is the time of the game. We want to get used to playing in the morning. We couldn’t duplicate the heat and humidity of Austin.”

Lexi Herpeche, Lindsay Carter and Shaelee Fosher led Dodd City’s offense in the regional final series. Herpeche and Carter each had five hits with three RBIs. Foster hit three singles and a double with three RBIs.

Cassandra Woodlee had a single and double with two RBIs in Game 1. In Game 2, Callon Hilliard hit three singles, Madelyn Underwood had a double and triple and Delaney Pilliod hit two singles.

Kenzee Jones pitched two complete games, allowing 15 hits and eight runs, with only three being earned, with four strikeouts and three walks.

“Dodd City will put the ball in play and force us to make plays,” Gibson said. “The pitcher (Jones) is young, but good. A team must have good pitching to get to the state tournament. Dodd City played good defense against Gorman. We will try to put the ball in play and force them to make plays.”

Gibson plans to start senior Kelsey Digby.

“If we win, Kelsey would start the championship game, too,” Gibson said. “Kelsey has improved every year and is one of our best competitors. She doesn’t’ just sling the ball up there, she’s a pitcher. Kelsey understands the game and what we want to do. We have an experienced battery with Brieanna Robertson and her.”

The infield will remain intact with senior Aaliyah Sneed at first, junior Kami Smith at second, sophomore Lilliyan Digby at shortstop and senior Amanda Long at third.

“Amanda played steady all season at third base and makes the routine plays,” Gibson said. “She is one of our leading hitters. Aaliyah has improved every year and is a great first baseman. She has quick hands and can hit for power. Brieanna gets on base and showed her power with the bat in the regional final.”

Gibson also gave high marks to Lilliyan Digby and Smith.

“Lilliyan gets to a lot of balls and has a great arm,” Gibson said. “She is a power hitter and drives runs home. Kami played right field last year and moved to second base. She is great on defense and makes tough plays, plus hits the ball to all fields.”

Senior Brittany Martin became the designated player and like her teammates, improved her performance.

“Brittany has had a career season at the plate,” Gibson said. “She  focused at improving her hitting and has been a great teammate.  She’s a leader whose unselfishness has helped lead us during the playoffs.”

Juniors Morgan Digby and Brishaya Sneed and sophomore Sarah Carr will start in the outfield.

“This group of outfielders is the best I ever coached,” Gibson said. “Brishaya patrols centerfield and it’s great to have someone who qualified in the 100-meter dash  at the state track meet there. Morgan had a great year in left field. Sandra plays in right field and made big catches, plus she has a great arm. All three outfielders can cut balls off in the gap.”

With the state tournament two days away, Gibson said it’s not just another game.

“We talked about how special the state tournament is,” Gibson said. “It’s not just another game. They will play under pressure and you can’t do that in practice. I told them the other team will be nervous, too. We  hope to play one of our best games Friday.”

Friday’s winner will advance to the state championship game.