The Houston Lady Tigers 15-and-under and 12-and-under softball teams recently completed their respective seasons with third-place finishes in the Texas County League Tournament.
The 12U Lady Tigers downed Houston 1 – the tournament’s only 9-10 year-old team – in the first round before losing 5-4 to Willow Springs in extra innings. In the third-place game, Houston rallied past Birch Tree for a 6-3 victory.
The Lady Tigers finished their season with a 12-2 mark.
“These young ladies deserve all the credit for a truly wonderful season,” coach Craig Pounds said. “As a coach, your job is to teach your players how to play the game and give them every opportunity to win. I don’t do a very good job of that, but these ladies make it happen anyway.”
Pounds said Alexa Ichord, Sarah Garrett, Kayla Kelley, Taylor Franklin, Amber Cornelison and Abigail Adams led his team offensivly in the tournament.
The 15U Lady Tigers blanked Cabool 14-0 in the first round of the tournament before losing 19-9 to eventual league champions Eminence in the semifinals.
Summersville was unable to make the rescheduled third-place game, giving Houston a forfeit victory. The Lady Tigers finished 9-6.
“The league has really changed over the last few years. It is much more competitive than years ago, and that is good for everybody,” Pounds said.
Pounds said the team was one of the most talented he has coached.
“Several of them have played for me since they were 9 and are 15 now,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of their lives, and I hope they continue to play into the future.”
Among the tournament offensive leaders were Shelbi Moore, Sydney Wilson, Camie Weisacosky, Paula Chernowsky and Hannah Pounds.
