Lufkin Falls Short Against Coppell in Area Playoff

WHITEHOUSE -- There was a noticeable absence on the mound for Lufkin on Friday.

Smiley Radke, the Lady Pack's usual pitcher, did not travel with the team because she quit Thursday.

In spite of the loss, Lufkin kept Coppell scoreless in the final six innings of the game. However, it couldn't generate enough offense, falling 2-1 in the 6A Region II area playoff.

"I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls," coach Shelby Holcomb said. "We went through a lot of trials and tribulations. Our No. 1 pitcher quit yesterday. We threw in our left fielder that's only had three innings this entire season. She threw six innings of shutout softball. I'm extremely proud of her to step in and lead the team."

Lexy Ramirez filled in in place of Radke and pitched a full game. She gave up two runs in the first inning and held Coppell scoreless the rest of the game. She also allowed only two hits.

Ramirez also had Lufkin's biggest offensive play of the game.

In the bottom of the seventh, she hit a ball that at first appeared to be a home run, but fell just short. Still, it was enough to earn a triple and eventually she scored off of Yami Valdez' sacrifice fly.

That left the Lady Pack with one out and only down 2-1. Unfortunately, the next two batters grounded out and popped out, respectively, ending both the game and Lufkin's season.

Holcomb, who is finishing her third season as coach of the Panthers, said her goals for next season remain unchanged.

"State," she said. "Every year is state. If I ever drop my expectations low, then they will never achieve as high as they can. I write it every year on the board. I buy the balls you have to throw at state and keep them in a locker. We have a really great strength and conditioning coach that will get them prepared now. No days off."