The Lady Badgers softball team beat the Gatesville Hornets 17-2 in their district opener  March 23. The Badgers are currently 2-1 in district play and will face Glen Rose at home at 6:30 p.m.

“The girls played with a purpose,” head coach Jessica Harborth said. “They knew they had put in a lot of work leading up to district, and they were mentally and physically prepared. The girls have worked hard to be consistent each game and to stay composed at all times.”

Junior Caitlyn Sanguinet took the mound for the Badgers, pitching five innings and surrendering only two runs. 

“I think our team played very well,” Sanguinet said. “Even when we were winning, we still stayed composed and played as a team. I think that I pitched well. I definitely increased my speed. My changeups and my rise balls were both working really well.”

Per Harborth, the team’s strengths going into the game were its high-quality at-bats and clean defense.  

“Caitlyn did a great job of moving the ball and changing speeds,” Harborth said. “She stayed composed and trusted her defense.”

Conference softball competitors include Gatesville, Glen Rose, Brownwood and Stephenville, notably different from years past when the team faced long-time district rivals, such as Burnet and Liberty Hill, in district play.

“We are competing well in district,” Harborth said. “Our kids are working hard, and they are reaping the outcomes of their hard work.”