The Houston softball program is still seeking its first district victory. But coach Willy Walker said the Lady Tigers will hardly be content with one win.
Houston enters its third-ever district tournament next week. The third-seeded Lady Tigers face No. 6 Seymour at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Hartville.
Although his team has yet to win a district game, Walker said the Lady Tigers’ hopes go beyond the first round.
“We have a goal of winning districts, not just getting a district win,” Walker said. “Any win is a good win, but we’re the higher seed and everyone looks at us as the favorite to win. If we play well, we have an opportunity to reach the championship game.”
On Tuesday, Thayer scored four times in the first inning en route to a 9-5 victory against Houston.
Taylor Franklin had four steals and scored twice for Houston (8-7, 2-2 SCA). Kayla Kelley had a pair of hits.
The Lady Tigers have a busy stretch entering districts. They play Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday before one day of practice in preparation of Wednesday’s district opener.
“We’ll have to put it together in game-like situations instead of practices,” Walker said. “I know we’re still young, but at some point we have to step up and get the job done.”
Walker said he hopes his players are just as hungry for more than a first-ever district victory.
“I have three or four girls more worried about being at homecoming than playing for the district title on Friday,” Walker said. “To me, that’s not being focused on the team. You don’t get those opportunities very often.
“The parade lasts 30 minutes. The district championship would last a lifetime.”