WEDNESDAY MORNING SOFTBALL UPDATE | Kilgore stays alive for playoffs; Sabine falls to ND

Mitch Lucas, Kilgore News Herald, Texas
·2 min read

Apr. 21—Going into Tuesday night's regular season finale, Kilgore High School's softball Lady Bulldogs knew they needed a win, and a little help, to extend their season.

They got both.

Kilgore, playing at home, run-ruled Chapel Hill, 14-4, and then got an assist from the unlikeliest of rivals: Henderson, who dealt Lindale an 11-8 defeat.

That leaves Kilgore and Lindale tied for the fourth and final playoff spot in District 16-4A. They will meet sometime this week, or maybe early next week (weather permitting), for a third time this season. The season will continue for the winner, and into the UIL Class 4A softball playoffs. For the loser, the season will be over.

That game isn't yet planned, Kilgore coach Cheyenne Kirkpatrick told the News Herald just before press time. When details are finalized, it'll be announced here on kilgorenewsherald.com.

Kirkpatrick was glad the Lady 'Dogs got the help they needed, with Lindale losing. But the biggest part of the equation was getting a win themselves.

It seemed like Kilgore had been waiting for a break-out game, though, and finally got it. Haylee Brown had a double and scored three times for the Lady 'Dogs. Alyssa Whitington had four hits — three singles and a double — including ending the game with a hit in the seventh inning, scoring Cerenity Exline to make the 10-run-rule.

Nawny Sifford had a double and an RBI, and also got the win on the mound, with two strikeouts. Nailey Hedges had a single, stole home and had two walks. Genna Cavanaugh had a double, two singles and an RBI. Jaycie Villanueva had a single and 2 RBI, and Exline, Zahria Smith and Jordyn Hampton also each had a single and an RBI.

New Diana 17, Sabine 4: It wasn't the Lady Cardinals' night, as they ran into a buzzsaw at home against New Diana.

New Diana's Asia Newsome had a home run, two singles and 4 RBI. The Lady Eagles plated 11 runs in the third inning to blow the game open.

For Sabine, Makenzie Cook had a home run and 2 RBI. Riley Lux had a single and 2 RBI.