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Inaugural Greatness: Walnut Grove softball continues to reign
In their inaugural season, the Walnut Grove Lady Wildcats have more than proven their ability to hang with some of the toughest teams in the area. As Walnut Grove prepares for a Regional Semifinal match-up against another DFW-area powerhouse team, VYPE DFW takes a look into their season so far:
Three-- the number of games a brand new softball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has lost this season. Boasting a 37-3 overall record (14-0 in district play), the Lady Wildcats came out of the wood works ready to not only make waves, but make a name for themselves in Texas high school softball. It's safe to say that the team has more than made a name for themselves with countless victories over talented area opponents; outscoring their opponents this season by a combined 285 runs.
Ella Berlage, Lyndsey Hooker, Kailee James, EB Bobbitt, Camila Spriggs, Lauren Robinson, Naomi Redman, Jeslyn Burghardt, Penelope Robles, and other talented athletes have been huge keys to the Lady Wildcats' success this season. From the beginning, the team knew they had eyes watching them as the newest softball team in the area, but not once did they waver.
Opening their season with an 8-2 victory over Lovejoy showcased the team's ability to head into a game against a strong opponent without fear. The team continued strong with several non-district victories including over the likes of MacArthur (16-0), Midlothian (6-5), Denton Guyer (3-1) Sherman (10-5), another over Lovejoy (2-1), Hebron (10-3), and more en route to district play. Once in district, the team took down every opponent in a dominating fashion including victories over Frisco Emerson (16-1), Frisco Independence (16-0), Lebanon Trail (13-0), and more.
Without hesitation, the team took to the playoffs as though they were local favorites and veterans to the playoffs. With a two-game victory over The Colony (6-0, 3-2) to make their playoff debut, the team has not taken a single second to look back as they advanced this far with victories over Wes Mesquite (12-0, 11-0), and a three-game thriller over Frisco Lone Star last week in which they won the first game 10-0, dropped the second game 6-4, then won game three by a score of 9-3.
Forney is the next team on Walnut Grove's radar and the Lady Jackrabbits will be no easy feat for Walnut Grove. The team is 36-2-3 on the season (12-0 in district play) and hungry for continued success in the playoffs. As Walnut Grove looks to continue making waves with the goal of making it to the state tournament in their inaugural season, Lady Wildcat fans can expect to continue to see focused play and a fast-paced readiness from this squad. The series begins on Thursday, May 16th at Plano East High School with the first pitch set for 7 p.m.
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: Athletes across Prosper ISD sign NLIs
On Wednesday, athletes across the metroplex made their dreams come true in signing their National Letters of Intent to play their sport at the next level. Prosper ISD athletics witnessed 32 of their talented athletes get the opportunity to make their intentions of playing at the next level official!
Rock Hill Blue Hawks
Football
Jonah Bowman signed to the Air Force Academy
Ben Rosa signed to the Air Force Academy
Dylan Rhone signed to Lehigh
Victor Chionuma signed to Missouri Southern
Cyncere Lindsey signed to Southeastern Oklahoma
Nick Butler signed to the University of Texas at Permian Basin
Chris Nguri signed to McPherson
Soccer
Alana Aiken signed to Grambling State University
Sophia Sallusti signed to the University of Central Oklahoma
Katie Brizuela signed to Pittsburgh State
Lindsay Spera signed to High Point University
Sam Boettiger signed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Track and Field
Laylah Lawson signed to the University of New Mexico
Softball
Adrya Olivarez signed to Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Walnut Grove Wildcats
Football
Lleyton Burghardt signed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Volleyball
Rae Hardy signed to Vernon College
Prosper High Eagles
Tennis
Emmy Phillips signed to LeTourneau University
Football
Nate TenBarge signed to Ouachita Baptist University
Jack Clifford signed to Ouachita Baptist University
Austin Hailey signed to West Texas A&M
Ellis Davis signed to Texas Tech
TJ Jones signed to Fordham
Laird Hanson-Felter signed to Air Force
Reid Arnold signed to East Texas Baptist University
Junior Wilcox signed to Southeastern Oklahoma State
Alex McGregor signed to East Central
Swimming
Jacob Wimberly signed to Texas A&M
Cross Country
Max Miller signed to Dartmouth
Caleb Hinson signed to Trevecca
Cheer
Macky Hogan signed to Western Kentucky University
All of these great athletes have showcased their ability to make their schools proud at Prosper ISD. As they wrap up their time with their respective schools and programs, be sure you keep an eye on them in the future; they're bound to do great things!