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Leander shortstop Madi Lee connects on a swing during a 14-0 win over Lehman on April 4. The Lions have won 11 of their last 12 games and have rolled into the Class 5A regional semifinals. (Paul Knight/Special to American-Statesman)
Leander softball has made history.
Though the Lions have a traditionally strong program, especially under longtime coach Kendall Driver, they won a regional championship for the first time last week when they swept Smithson Valley in dominating fashion, 11-1 and 9-0.
As Leander (36-6-1) prepares for its Class 5A Division I state semifinal series with last year’s state runnerup, Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill, Driver thinks she has one of the most balanced teams in the 13 years she’s led the program.
“We’ve been in the regional final a few times and haven’t been able to make it over that hurdle,” Driver said. “So I think just (making the state semifinals) and finding a way to not just win, but to win dominantly last week, I think that really makes my kids feel super-confident and believe.”
Of their eight playoff wins, the Lions have scored nine runs seven times. Infielders Madelyn Lee and Aliyah Allen, outfielders Rachel Grundei and Avery Barnard, pitcher Kylee Arnold and catcher Cameryn Beckerley pace a lineup that has only lost once since March 6.
“We hit really well throughout our lineup,” Driver said. “As far as a team is concerned, this is the strongest team I’ve ever had in hitting. … It doesn’t drop off, and at any point, any given inning, we could put four or five runs across.”
Leander is pitching well
Leander doesn't necessarily have to outscore opponents, though.
Arnold and fellow pitcher Scarlett Geurin have only allowed more than three runs once in the postseason.
“I’ve got two pitchers who throw very differently, but are both throwing with a whole lot of command,” Driver said. “And they’re not leaving much room for mistakes from the batters. They’re doing a really good job of making sure that they stay ahead and create pop-ups and ground balls.”
Barbers Hill is another perennial power
Similar to the Lions, Barbers Hill is a perennially strong program that makes deep playoff runs. Driver noted the Eagles don't have many weaknesses.
“They’ve got a stud pitcher who throws with a whole lot of command,” she said. “She’s quick. She’s got a great changeup. She’s got a nice riseball. So she’s very good. And they also have a good hitting team and play good defense.”
Leander doesn’t want to be done making history. And Driver thinks not getting caught up in the moment is the key to reaching McCombs Field for the state championship game.
“I think it’s going to be an incredible series,” she said. “We just need to try and enjoy what’s going on, because when we play relaxed ... we play much better softball.”
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