Fort Worth Paschal softball ready to rewrite history as playoffs start
A softball district title banner or trophy hasn’t adorned the walls or halls at Fort Worth Paschal since 2004, the only time the Panthers advanced to the UIL state tournament.
As the 2016 UIL softball playoffs begin Thursday through Saturday, Paschal (23-4) seeks to build on a 14-0 record in District 4-6A title with a lengthy postseason run, which would also be the team’s first since 2004.
“We’ve always been a scrappy team. Big thing this year, we’ve been focusing a lot on team building and chemistry. Over the years, that’s the winning strategy,” said coach Sarah Dokie-Reyes, who has led the Panthers since 2007. “This group is tired of just making it to the first round. They want to go further, with bigger things on their mind.”
The Panthers open a best-of-three series against Abilene (15-10) in Graham, with Game 1 at noon Friday, and the series resuming at noon Saturday.
This group is tired of just making it to the first round. They want to go further, with bigger things on their mind.
Paschal softball coach Sarah Dokie-Reyes
Paschal is led by sophomore pitcher Lydia Vidales (13-2), who has three home runs and a team-high 16 doubles and 42 RBIs.
“Lydia is a game changer. She’s come in solid the whole season,” Dokie-Reyes said. “She’s just a kid that loves to play softball.”
Said Vidales: “I wanted to contribute the best of my ability to the team and I used that drive to push myself to be the best pitcher possible. As far as the success I’ve had in my hitting game, I attribute that to expecting nothing less than a hit.”
Also helping have been sophomore infielder Maggie Hurst, who’s second on the team with 39 RBIs, and four seniors in pitcher Nina Ortega, infielders Alexus White and Bridgette Krippel, and outfielder Caroline Adair.
Adair, who has signed with Abilene Christian, leads the team with six home runs and a .493 batting average. She’s also driven in 31 runs.
“We’re super excited to have won district, but we’re not ready for the season to end yet, especially for us seniors,” Adair said. “We know this is the best team we’ve had in our four years here and it’s our last chance to go far into the playoffs. We’ve made it to the first round the past two years, but we’re definitely ready to go further.”
White and Krippel have combined for 53 RBIs and Ortega is 10-2 on the mound.
On April 19 during senior night, assistant athletic director Richard Pritchett came out and surprised the team with the 4-6A championship trophy.
We’re super excited to have won district, but we’re not ready for the season to end yet, especially for us seniors.
Paschal senior outfielder Caroline Adair
“Our senior night was a very emotional night. Seeing the assistant AD come on the field with that trophy was such a proud moment,” Adair said. “We knew this was our year to go all the way and seeing him carry out that district trophy just confirmed that we were officially undefeated district champs.”
Added Vidales, “since Paschal is not really known for softball, we want to continue to surprise people and make history.”
Teams to watch
Keller (22-5): 5-6A champs have won 17 of past 18 games. All-state pitcher and senior Kaylee Rogers is 19-3 while seniors Kennedy Legg (27 RBIs) and Shelby Henderson (23 RBIs) are two of five players with at least 20 RBIs.
Mansfield (22-6): Sophomore Paxton Scheurer (22-5) has 252 strikeouts, a 1.94 ERA, nine home runs and 26 RBIs. Junior Morgan Rios has nine home runs and a team-high 35 RBIs. 8-6A champs have won 14 of their last 15 games.
Burleson Centennial (25-3): 8-5A champs haven’t lost since Feb. 26. Spartans are averaging 10.8 runs during the 22-game win streak. Freshman pitcher Hayley Murrell is 16-0.
Mansfield Legacy (23-4): 14-5A champs have won 21 of past 22 games. Sophomore pitcher Sophie Hannabas is 10-1 with a 0.43 ERA. Senior Reagan Wright has 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. Junior Meagan Dake is right behind with six home runs and 38 RBIs.
Azle (26-6): Hornets look to make a third consecutive regional final. 5-5A champs are averaging 11.8 runs during a nine-game win streak. Senior Sam Bradley is 17-5 and has hit 10 home runs with 46 RBIs. Senior Bailee Carter has six home runs.
White Settlement Brewer (19-8): Seniors Shannon Rhodes (12 HR, 32 RBIs), Danelle Day (4 HR, 26 RBIs) and sophomore Kristin Kamnick (10 HR, 32 RBIs) lead the Bears at the plate while senior Cheyenne West (9-3) and junior Christina Blevins (8-3) are a nice 1-2 punch on the mound.
Hurst L.D. Bell (18-8): Freshman Kallie Erwin owns a 13-2 record and 1.13 ERA. Sophomore Randi Castillo has a team-high 32 RBIs and .537 batting average. 7-6A champs riding a six-game win streak with a 48-2 scoring margin.
Birdville (18-8): 6-5A champs have won 11 of the past 12 games with a 156-9 scoring margin.
Keller Timber Creek (20-8): Senior Kylee Foster sports a 17-8 record while junior Caitlyn Curlee has a team-high 28 RBIs. Senior Avery Grimes has 18 RBIs.
Grapevine (18-9): Senior Cynthia Haugh leads the team with 11 home runs, 45 RBIs and .612 average while senior Rachil Gossett is second with 25 RBIs.
This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Fort Worth Paschal softball ready to rewrite history as playoffs start."