The first official playoff game of the 2017-18 softball season was played April 26 in Sherman Texas between the Sherman Bearcats and the Azle Lady Hornets. Although the Lady Hornets did not win the first game, they were given the chance to play the team again which occurred April 27 at Jim Bob’s Nation Field of Dreams in Azle,TX.

Azle won the first game that night 16-2. Because each team won a game, a third game was needed to break the tie. The team with best 2 out of 3 wins determined whether they continue or not. The last game played against Sherman was also won by Azle 3-0. The girls won the Bi-District bracket, received their trophy and will continue on to Area.

Since starting as the head coach about 5 years ago, Tracey Tadlock has led the Azle softball team to playoffs every year except last year’s 2016-17 season. He’s optimistic but cautious.

“I would say that making the playoffs is the biggest accomplishment of this season so far,” Tadlock said. “There are definitely a couple of good teams in front of us though.”

While in season, the athletes practice their skills daily to become better players individually and as a team so they can play each game as if it’s the playoffs.

“We preach intensity of that nature during practice so that it won’t be different when we reach the playoffs.” Tadlock said.

With this, the team has grown closer and learned to work together in stressful situations during a game while still keeping a positive mindset.

“We have lots of spirit,” Senior Sydney Lance said. “We never get down. We keep going and cheer loudly.”

The next game is Friday, May 4 at Byron Nelson High School against Colleyville Heritage at 7 p.m. The players encourage anyone and everyone to come out to their future games to support and cheer them on.