HS Softball Playoffs: Huge sixth inning carries The Woodlands to Game 1 victory

MADISONVILLE, TX -- The Woodlands 15, Bryan 5

The Woodlands Highlanders squared off against the Bryan Vikings in a UIL 6A regional semifinal playoff game Wednesday evening. The Highlanders got off to a slow start in the game, as they were shut out in the first and second innings. Saylor Davis’s (6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 8 SO) pitching helped the Highlanders find their rhythm and stay in the game. In the bottom of the third inning, the Highlanders began to gain momentum.

In the bottom of the third, the Highlanders were down by five. Kayla Falterman began the comeback with a single ground ball off to right field. Following this play, Alannah Leach bunted for a single allowing Falterman to take third. From an error made by the Vikings, both girls stole bases. Falterman took home and Alannah at third. Alannah’s sister Gabby, then hit a grounder towards first base that caused an error. Alannah was then able to score. The margin of the game was two. This series of events in the bottom of the third inning was just what the Highlanders needed. It showed that the lady Highlanders weren't going down without a fight.

This was proven right in the bottom of the fourth. In a series of three runs combined by Falterman, Hale, and Jones. The score was tied up and a real barn burner was starting to play out. Once tied the Highlanders were ecstatic and were not ready to stop anytime soon. The Vikings on the other hand seemed frightened from the narrowing margin. The bench of the Vikings was quiet, including the fan section. The fifth inning saw defensive stands from both teams. Most notably, by the Highlanders, a double play contributed by both first baseman Michalsky and catcher Wiedenhaupt.

A game that seemed to be coming down to the wire quickly changed by a great defensive effort in the top of the sixth by the Highlanders kept the score even. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Highlanders kicked it into high gear. Landauer hit a grand slam over the left-field wall and RBIs attributed to Falterman (1), Mountain (1), Gartner (1), and the Leach sisters (3) all in the same inning. This gave the Highlanders a ten-run lead in the sixth. A mercy rule was called and the Highlanders took Game 1 against Bryan.

The next scheduled game is Thursday, 5 p.m. at Navasota High School.

Notable Players K. Falterman (3 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, 1 SO) A. Leach (2 R, 3 H, 2 RBI) E. Landauer (1 R, 1 H, 4 RBI)