Home Runs Propel Whitehouse to Series-Clinching Victory

WHITEHOUSE -- Sarah Womble's first home run couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

Whitehouse needed to distance itself from Bryan in a potentially series-clinching game. The Ladycats had a slim lead when Womble stepped up to bat in the third inning Friday. Five pitches later, the lead went from slim to comfortable.

Womble sent the ball soaring over the left field fence to bring in herself, Riley Cortez and Jocelyn Downs. The three-run homer proved integral, giving Whitehouse the momentum it needed in an 8-3 victory.

"I was really defeated because everyone kept telling me I was the only senior not to hit a home run on the season," Womble said. "Running around the bases, knowing I hit my first one in front of my friends and family, it felt amazing."

Mahayla Mitchell followed up with a home run in the fourth that seemed to solidify the victory. Like Womble, Mitchell's home run also drove in three runs after Maddie Wright and Makayla Moore reached base via walk and error, respectively.

"In the playoffs, somebody's gonna step up and be a hero and it's always someone you don't expect," Clemons said. "I'm super proud of them."

In addition to her home run, Mitchell pitched a full game, earning the victory. She finished with four strikeouts.

The Ladycats advance to face either Elgin of Waller in the area round. The details for that series will be announced. With the results it has been getting, Womble said there is no need to change anything.

"I think (our mindset) is the same as it was in district," she said. "Just play our game, don't change anything up and right now it seems like our game's working for us."