Most softball programs returning only underclassmen from a 3-14 team the year before would be in for a long season.
The 2006 Shiner Lady Comanche Softball Team Shiner ISD Photo
But not the Shiner Lady Comanches.
Despite having no seniors on their roster, the Lady Comanches (20-4) have advanced to tonight's Class 1A regional final against Bosqueville (16-5-2) with intentions of winning and earning a spot in next week's state tournament.
"Being so young, they are very open-minded," said Shiner coach Brandon Siegel, who will take his Lady Comanches into today's 7:30 p.m. matchup against Bosqueville at the Round Rock McNeil softball field. "They all have a very good work ethic. It seems like pressure doesn't get to them. They are real fun to be around."
Two big reasons the Lady Comanches have made such a drastic turnaround have been the additions of freshman pitcher Heater Haas and freshman center fielder Ieisha Flowers.
Haas enters tonight's game with a 17-3 record and 1.07 ERA. She has struck out 239 batters over 141 innings while walking just 19. Flowers batted .620 during the regular season and led the team with six home runs and 21 RBIs.
"There's real good team chemistry," Siegel said. "Heather has made a big difference, but when teams put the ball in play against her, the defense always seems to come through."
With no seniors on the team, you might think the Lady Comanches would be near unbeatable next year. But this Shiner team doesn't want to wait until then to make its mark.
"They're thinking about getting it done this year," Siegel said.