The Honeybees are preparing to take on Graham in Jacksboro for area title

BY RUSSELL HUFFMAN
TheFlashToday.com

What’s the key to Stephenville beating Graham in their Area playoff series being played in Jacksboro?

“Score more runs than them,” Coach Rus Mayes joked. “Isn’t that the key to winning all softball games?”

Mayes was in a light and relaxed mood Tuesday as he “played” third base for throws from the outfield and that’s how he wants the Honeybee softball team. Stephenville is fresh off a Bi-District title after thumping Springtown 9-0 and 12-2 but will face much stiffer competition in the Area round starting Thursday in Jacksboro.

Graham needed three games to get past Sweetwater winning game one 5-2 before being blown out 12-2 and then bounced back for a series-clinching 6-3 win.

“I think if we play our brand of softball we are going to be okay. We have kind of peaked here lately,” Mayes said. “We just need to keep playing like we have been, putting the ball in play and playing solid defense. I really think this will be a competitive series.”

Mayes has had a couple of looks at Graham and reports solid pitching and good hitting.

“They’ve got a couple of spots on defense we hope we can take advantage of,” Mayes said. “This time of year it comes down to who hits and who plays defense.”

Stephenville has solid pitching and hitting of its own with senior Julia Flores compiling a 16-12 record and an ERA of 2.73. Flores strikeout totals numbers 169 against just 31 walks. Flores also leads the Honeybees in batting with a .505 average and 46 RBI.

Morgan DiCiccio’s .429 batting average has led to a team-leading 43 runs scored. Bianka Garcia is the home run leader with four swats over the fence. Jessica Ebeling .342, Jettie Funderburgh .300, Kristen Pettit .356, Madison Gilder .307. Samantha Luna .337 all have batting averages over .300.

Healthwise Pettit’s left foot injury is currently in a boot but that hasn’t kept her from being able to run the base paths. However, running and catching in the boot hasn’t worked out. Skye Gaitan is battling a shin bruise suffered in practice. Both players are expected to see action this weekend.

Stephenville will be traveling to Jacksboro Thursday for a 6 p.m. and will return again Friday at the same time. A game time (if needed) will be determined for Saturday. Check out the Honeybees statistics and related game information below.