(Malcom Terry Photo) LHHS junior shortstop Paige Lafferty talks about her team's win over Columbia and trip to the State Tournament on K-MAC Sports. Lafferty enjoyed talking about the 2-0 win which came on her 17th birthday.
By Chuck Licata
The following are postgame comments from Liberty Hill’s coach, players and community members from Saturday (May 26) after the LHHS Lady Panthers defeated Columbia, 2-0, to clinch its first-ever berth in the state softball tournament.
Coach Charice Hankins: “The kids wanted it today – they didn’t want a third (and deciding) game (in this series). (Pitcher) Kourtney Bevers wanted the ball in her hand, we talked about it in bottom of sixth inning but decided Bevers was hitting her spots well. (Freshman pitcher Sam) Junkin was ready to go but it’s the team’s seniors who set the (program) record in 2010 to get to a regional final. Those seniors wanted this one badly and no one was going to take the ball out of Bevers’ hands.
I was a little girl once; I had visions of playing in the state tournament. As a coach for 22 years it’s been in my heart – I’ve seen it coming and hoped to (eventually) get there.
Tanya Lott is a great mentor to me, she made it to state (as an LHHS girls’ basketball coach) and she texted me the other day and it said, ‘Coach Hankins, it’s your time now.’
The Liberty Hill Lady Patnhers are going to the state tournament – see you all in a week!
Senior pitcher Kourtney Bevers: “I’m feeling like the third time’s a charm (Bevers has been to state in cross country and basketball this year). We have some experience on this team and I feel we’re giong to finish our mission and (win the state title).
Sophmore year we got a little taste of (regional finals, a loss to West High School). Our junior year we lost in area, and that was disappointing. We all got together and vowed that would never happen again.
We have good handful of underclassmen who have stepped up and our seniors appreciate them.
What’s not to enjoy about going to state in three different sports? Each team is different in that way. I’ve had tremendous teammates; all our our coaches are great and care about their athletes. The players and coaches of each team get along so well and that’s what helps the (overall) success.
LH All-Sports Booster Club web master Malcom Terry: ”It’s been amazing how Liberty Hill, in general, has become a sports powerhouse overall. We’ve seen it all from football to today’s softball (results) It’s incredible to live in a small community that (produces) such good kids and good student-athletes. This year everyone went to the playoffs, it’s incredible.
Freshman second baseman Kallen Floyd: “This was our goal the whole year was to make state. It was never in our minds we wouldn’t do it. We were always going to do this, (no matter the) blood sweat and tears; not matter what it took we were going to do it.
Still it’s hard to wrap my head around it right now. I’m actually still in shock. I’m very excited and we’re going to win – we’re ready to win (state).”
Senior third baseman Kendyl Yandrisovitz: “It’s amazing to be going to state. To not play basketball so I could (concentrate of softball) was definitely worth it. I’m kind of speechless; I knew it was coming but
This probably won’t hit me until later.
I knew this morning it was a different day (from Thursday, when the Lady Panthers won Game 1) but same results. Knowing we’re going to state is awesome. We didn’t have any doubt we’d win.”
