The Aledo Ladycats softball team recently wrapped up a strong 2024 campaign that saw the Ladycats march into the state tournament for the third time in the past four seasons. Last year, a loaded Ladycat squad was stunned by Richland in the area round, but it was a business mentality that carried this year’s squad through 2024, which resulted in an overall record of 35-4.
“I think our mindset approaching this season was more serious,” Aledo head coach Heather Myers said. “We knew no matter how talented we may be, that doesn't guarantee a win or advancement in the playoffs. The desire was there and so was the focused work ethic.”
Aledo worked hard through a difficult schedule of foes, including wins over the likes of Keller (twice), Lone Star, Mansfield Legacy, Waco Midway and Whitehouse. Furthermore, Aledo’s dominance against opponents of every caliber featured a staggering run differential of 258 with 321 runs scored against 63 total runs allowed.
“It's important to face competitive teams,” Myers said. “I've always wanted to play teams that are tough to beat. Exposing our weaknesses early on is necessary in the growth process and ultimately fuels the strong mental toughness that's needed when heading into playoffs.”
District dominance
After a strong showing in their pre-district slate of games, Aledo moved on to district play where their dominance continued. The Ladycats came out on top in each of their 12 district contests and, minus a 4-3 victory late in the regular season against Azle, won each of their district games by six or more runs – 10 of their 12 district victories came by double-digit runs.
Then, the postseason arrived and a chance for redemption after an early exit in 2023. Aledo had a tough road back to Austin, but the Ladycats persevered nonetheless.
“They definitely fought hard for everything this playoff season where nothing was easy or guaranteed – they played for each other,” Myers said. “There were no self-seeking mentalities or toxic agendas. They simply showed up to practice every day with the intent to get better together, and they took that fierce work ethic into every game. In the end, they learned how to compete in some of the most stressful situations. Once your athletes realize they not only can compete, but win at that level, they're about to have some big goals realized.”
A mature and unified mindset blended seamlessly with the players’ high levels of talent and execution on the field. Aledo’s postseason journey began with a dominant bi-district series win over Everman (15-0 and 14-0). After that, Aledo exorcized its area-round demons with a gutsy 3-2 win over a solid Birdville squad in 11 grueling innings. After that, Aledo edged a strong Joshua squad 2-1 in a winner-take-all regional quarterfinal and followed that victory with a sweep over Monterey in the regional semifinals (7-1 and 5-4).
Aledo’s last roadblock on the way to Austin was a strong, senior-laden Burleson Centennial squad, which the Ladycats swept in the regional final (2-0 and 12-7).
With that, the Region I crown belonged to the District 5-5A champs once again.
“I can't speak more highly of these young ladies and their fight this season,” Myers said. “They are without a doubt the most coachable athletes I've ever had, as a whole. It's not bad to finish in the top four in the state. A state title will come when it's time, until then we will continue to focus on a team first mentality and the fundamentals of this incredible game.”
Aledo played against a historic Harlingen South squad in the state semifinals at East View High School and lost a heartbreaker 1-0.
Aledo will graduate five seniors from this year’s team while the remaining 13 players will return next year.
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