LONGVIEW, Texas-Texas High begins its postseason campaign in the 5A softball bi-district round tonight.
The Lady Tigers (18-10) clash with Jacksonville (21-3-1) in a single game to decide the season outcome for one of the teams. First pitch is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Longview's Lady Lobo Field.
The Lady Indians finished tied with Hallsville for the District 16-5A title. Texas High placed third after dropping its season finale to District 15-5A champ Sulphur Springs, 4-3.
"The girls have really jelled at the right time; we won four in a row in the second half of district," THS coach Robbie Hatfield said. "We had four one-run games in a row, and we won three of those."
The Tigers feature three seniors in the starting lineup, including pitcher Lindsey Egger and catcher Kylee Spriggs. Kaitlyn Cross plays first base.
"Lindsey has been pitching real well, and our defense has been solid, keeping us in games," Hatfield said. "Jacksonville has a really good pitcher, who throws in the low 60s. They hit the ball well, and they play good defense.
"We're going to have to continue to play well in all aspects, if we want to advance to the area round."
Bailey Groom is the junior shortstop for Texas High, and the rest of the lineup is made up of six freshmen.
Lauren Allred starts at third base, Vanessa Perez will be at second, and Alex Reed is the designated player. The freshman outfield features Ashanti Northcross in left, Valeria Perez in center and Korie Hamilton in right.
The winner of today's game advances to the area round to play either Forney or Waco University.
The game will be broadcast on KTXK 91.5 FM starting at 7:15.