Getting to the biggest stage in Texas High School softball playoffs is certainly something to be proud of. For Prosper Rock Hill softball, the Lady Blue Hawks have fought all season to make it here. The team has put in the work that it takes to inch closer and closer to their goals. With the State Semifinals about to begin, VYPE DFW takes a look at Rock Hill's season and lays out just what fans can expect from this group of athletes.
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A Look Back
Last season, the Rock Hill Lady Blue Hawks posted an incredible season. The team finished first in their district and moved on deep into playoffs before being taken out by an incredibly strong Hallsville team. Using the off-season to regroup and maintain their strength, the Lady Blue Hawks were more than ready to make it even further in the new season. Opening preseason play with huge wins over Denton Guyer, League City Clear Creek, and The Woodlands, Rock Hill set the bar high for the season- never did they try to lower it. Through district play, the team dropped only one game (a 3-2 loss to Denison) before posting a 13-1 district record to finish at the top of their district once again.
So far in playoffs, the Lady Blue Hawks have ended the seasons of Frisco Lone Star (8-0, 10-0), Dallas Wilson (7-0, 16-0), Frisco Heritage (4-2), Forney (5-4L, 7-1, 4-3), and Royse City (9-0, 1-0). In playoffs alone, the team has posted six shut-out victories (16 throughout the entirety of their season) while outscoring their playoff opponents by a combined 59 runs (a combined 208 this season).
What To Expect
Going up against Lake Creek is going to prove to be a challenge for Rock Hill; if there is anything that the Lady Blue Hawks have proved over the last two seasons it's that they are not only up for a challenge, but they are prepared to take every challenge head on with resiliency and determination. Lake Creek is on a 39 game win-streak and is ranked as the No. 2 softball team in the nation by MaxPreps.
Both teams are heavy on the defense- able to read their opponents and stop quick base-running attempts. Rock Hill's base stealing is lead by three strong runners- Emily Alvarez, Veronica Cully, and Camila Spriggs- who will have to be mindful of the attention to the field that Lake Creek's defense typically plays. A strong offensive presence at the plate led by Cully, Ella Berlage, and Jolie Malage can be expected as well. Defensively, fans should keep their eyes on Gabrielle Luna, Katerina Luna, and Malan on the field. In the circle- expect big moments from Grace Berlage and Taylor Hagen.
Both teams are going to fight hard. Both defenses are known for shutting down attacks while both offenses are known for taking any opportunity to capitalize off of timely moments. Lake Creek is going to be a tough opponent, but with the right amount of focus, Rock Hill has the ability to stun the state and walk away with an upset... and a trip to the state championship game.
