By Jason Nieuwenhuis
Contributing writer
As the sun set last Thursday night, Oct. 10, Keith Coleman’s Lady Wildcats knew that they had met all but one of the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the season. Win their district – Check; Win their regional – Check. Win the 5A State Softball Championship – In Process.
The final tune-up game took place at F&M Bank Stadium as the 6A- State tournament bound Lady Bulldogs from Edmond Memorial traveled west to face the ‘Cats. As expected with two top tier teams, the contest was a close one, decided in extra innings as the Wildcats prevailed 4-3.
The road to the state tournament is never easy, but Head Coach Coleman knows how to prepare his team and is ready for the challenge.
“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to play in the state tournament,” Coleman said. “We know it will be very difficult, as every team in the field can play at a high level. ”
The Cats start out with Tahlequah at Devon Park and the ASA Hall of Fame complex. The first two games of the tournament are scheduled to be on field three with the state championship played on OG&E Field 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
The Wildcats bring a talented group to the state tournament led by senior ace Addison Underwood. Underwood has carried the load this season, throwing 124 innings with a 1.74 ERA. She has averaged almost 1 strikeout per inning and has been efficient throwing just 14 pitches per inning. The rest of the defense has experience with all but three of the starters being seniors.
The offense has excelled all season as the one-two punch of Addison Cassady and Taybor Moss have combined for 14 home runs and 67 runs batted in.
Moss, as catcher, leads the defense behind the plate and leads the team with a .542 average at the plate. Moss and the rest of these seniors have won three straight 5A State Championships and are excited for the opportunity to compete for another.
“It means everything to me to get the opportunity to play for a 4th straight championship.” she said. ” Most kids dream of winning one state championship and to have the opportunity to win 4, nothing compares. Being on this quest with my amazing teammates only makes it more special.”
There are seven other teams that are going to do their best to derail the championship hopes of the Lady Wildcats. Guthrie, who the “Cats beat to win the championship in 2023,” returns a talented team and strong pitching staff.
Coweta and Pryor are both perennial tournament teams and hope to take the crown back to the east side of the state. But to move on, Coleman knows they have to do it one game at a time.
“We have to play well and give ourselves a chance to advance,” Coleman said.
Moss echoed the feelings of her coach “We need to do what we do. If we all play our game the way we can, then we should be hard to beat.”
The tournament starts at noon on Thursday. Coleman and his players are ready to give it their best and hope that the community of Piedmont can find a way to come out and support their club.
Follow the Piedmont Surrey Gazette for updates on the state softball tournament.
