GAMES
RANKINGS
The 2022-23 SPC Softball State Finalist -- Houston Christian Mustangs
BURN THE SHIPS: Houston Christian Softball galvanized to claim first-ever SPC Title
That narrow defeat is still fresh in the minds of coach Cassidy Bowen and her team, which feeds into the mentality they possess this Spring.
“We expected our team to make a run for it and play in that game (SPC Championship) last year,” she said. “This year, we’re expecting to go and win that game. We’re back and we didn’t graduate anybody off that team. We’re not going to compete anymore, we’re going to win.”
All-SPC selections Jadyn Granere (Sr. C), MC Been (Jr. CF/1B), and Emily Thompson (Sr. 3B) return to the lineup, and will be complemented efficiently by the talents of Maddie Pickett (Jr. SS), Riley Warnica (Sr. OF/P), and junior 2B Lily Herveat, just to name a few.
Jadyn Granere
“The difference between this year and others is the fact that we just don’t have a weak spot in the lineup,” said Bowen. “Everybody, top to bottom, puts a bat on the ball and can hit with power.”
Their lack of any discernible weaknesses should put the Mustangs in prime position to fulfill their team’s ultimate motivation.
“Our motto for this year’s team is ‘Burn the Ships’,” Bowen said. “We want to leave it all on the field. The senior class this year has been the group that has built what Houston Christian Softball is today, and we’re trying to give them a send-off in a big way.”
With a 6-2 start to the season – highlighted by exceptional initial performances by the aforementioned Granere, Been, and Warnica – it would appear that HCHS is certainly starting off on the right foot.
April’s SPC Championship is already within throwing distance for Coach Bowen and company.
2021-22 Houston Christian Softball
READY FOR MORE: Houston Christian; Bowen expect to upgrade
“I expect our team to now be a year older and a year stronger,” said Bowen. “So, last year we graduated two seniors. Now seven remain to set an example for the newcomers on the team. We have five incoming freshmen who we expect to jump in and be contributors right off the bat. So far, we’ve seen that the returners have matured an incredible amount, so I’m pretty confident they will make an impact.”
Houston Christian's Jadyn GranereJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
Particularly, she expressed her praise for junior catcher Jadyn Granere. The 2022 Private School All-VYPE First-Teamer has proven herself to be among the best hitters in the conference (2022: .390 BA, 26 RBIs, 3 HR, 11 2B), thus her placement in the three-hole of the Mustangs lineup that is loaded with a talented group of hitters from top to bottom.
Bowen, a former catcher for the University of Tulsa, is entering her third season of directing the Stangs. Given the time she’s spent at the school, she recognized the appeal of Houston Christian and what makes it a distinct experience for her and the athletes she works with.
Photo taken during Houston Christian's matchup against TWCA (5/1/2022)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I tell you, the culture here is one of inclusion and all-around support and love from the staff and the kids,” she said. “The girls really buy in more than other places that I’ve been, and that’s what is really going to take this team far this season.”
Coach Bowen and Houston Christian softball are poised for an upgrade this Spring. A run for the SPC Title is certainly not out of the question.