Winning close games helps Keller softball team build confidence

By Brent Shirley

bshirley@star-telegram.com

Keller softball fans might need a blood pressure check by the end of the playoffs.

The Indians' postseason run has been a thrill ride with four one-run games, two incredible comebacks and unending drama. The excitement could build even more tonight in the Class 5A Region I final series against Plano at Texas Woman's University.

In the first round, a one-game winner-take-all matchup against Flower Mound, No. 4 Keller (31-6-1) had to overcome a 5-0 deficit going into the sixth inning. The Indians won 7-5 with Kelsey Grant hitting a walk-off home run in the seventh.

"I think that having to overcome such a big deficit in our very first game set the tone for the entire playoffs," Brittany Lee said. "That showed us we can overcome anything and play with the best of the best."

Keller then knocked out Midlothian 1-0, and Flower Mound Marcus 2-1 and 3-2.

"We have fought through a lot of close games and tough situations, and we feel like we can come back from anything now," Keller coach Lindsay Strong said.

In the semifinals against El Paso Americas, Keller continued to entertain. After trailing 3-0 in Game 1, the Indians' offense turned on its power.

"We decided we weren't going to lose," Keller pitcher Katie Ramsay said. "We depend on each other and have high confidence. No matter what happens in the game, we know we can still do it."

Ramsay, Bailee Kaderka and Lee all homered, and Keller won 9-4. Then they trailed 5-0 in Game 2, but lost 5-4. Keller won the deciding game 4-3.

"Everyone steps up when it's a pressure situation," said Lee, who homered in all three games against Americas. "We expect that kind of power from ourselves. But producing in such a big game is huge. I've made a few adjustments at the plate, and I guess they are working."

Keller had only five home runs in the regular season, with Lee hitting four. The team has already hit six in the postseason.

"We build off each other," Ramsay said. "When everyone is hitting, is makes us more focused."

Keller met Plano in the final of a tournament at Bryan in February. The Indians pulled out a 3-1 win, and the Indians are expecting another fight against the Wildcats, who swept Weatherford, 1-0 and 6-2.

"We are very evenly matched with Plano," Strong said. "We are going to look at our charts from the first time we played them and look at our scouting reports. But we just have to stick to our overall game plan."

Brent Shirley, 817-390-7760

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