Laughing all the way to state

If you hear laughter coming from the Aledo Ladycats softball dugout during a game, don’t be surprised. But also don’t assume they’re not serious about winning.

After two-straight trips to the Class 5A state tournament, state or bust is no doubt the goal this season.

For the Ladycats, the talent is there; but having an all-in-for-the-team culture and, well, a little fun along the way may be just as instrumental to another successful run.

“Our team is definitely the perfect definition of locked in when it’s time,” senior pitcher Nathalie Touchet said. “Softball is supposed to be fun, so laughing here and there is what keeps the energy up and the excitement present. It makes the game easier to stay involved in when everyone around you is serious, yet having a good time.”

The Ladycats, 33-3 and state bronze medalists last season, return strong senior players and leaders. Aledo is 5-2 on the season thus far and starts District 3-5A play by hosting Wichita Falls Rider on Tuesday, Feb. 28 (5 p.m. JV/7 p.m. varsity) at Ladycat Softball Stadium after competing in the Mansfield ISD Varsity Invitational Tournament this weekend.

That core of seniors — Touchet, returning starters outfielders Claire Byars and Maddy Jarvis, utility player Reagan Davis, third baseman Presley Hull and first baseman Texas Ray as well as outfielder Chloe Cox and catcher Allison Mallard, who is currently sidelined due to shoulder surgery — have helped create an incredible team dynamic that is about team unity and holding each other accountable, head coach Heather Myers said. 

“The maturity they bring to the team is calming,” Myers said. “There's not a lot of holding your breath or second guessing when it comes to any part of their game. Not to mention, the way they are choosing to lead is more than impressive. I'm so proud and thankful to have had a small part in guiding them these past four years.”

Touchet, who already has a no-hitter on her record this season and has signed to play at Missouri next year, and Oregon State-commit junior Brenlee Gonzales may be one of the best pitching duos in the state after going a combined 21-2 last season with a 1.28 ERA. Sophomore Taylor McKean adds great depth to the pitching staff as well.

The Ladycats have a solid combination of power and speed in their lineup hitting, led by power hitters Ray (21 extra-base hits in 2022) and Hull (second in 2022 with six HR) and lefty slappers Davis and Jarvis, who combined for 50 hits and 66 runs last season.

“Everyone has a role to play on the team,” Byars said. “Strong hitting will be a huge key to our success. If we all do our part, we can’t lose. We have a very strong pitching staff, and if we play strong defense behind them, we will be hard to beat.”

Newcomers freshman Delaney Rosser and sophomore Addie Perry also contribute to that power (Rosser) and speed (Perry) in the lineup. Perry, who moved to Aledo from Eaton High School, already has four triples this season. And junior Kennis Marx has stepped in to provide leadership at catcher with Mallard out. 

“The past two seasons have shown the other girls and I that working as a team is what wins games,” Touchet said. “You could have the top nine players in the country on the field, but if they do not work together, you won’t win. 

“Every single game we won over the past two years is when every single person, playing or not, executed their job on the team to work as a whole,” she said.

Byars added that the support and encouragement for each other is what makes this year’s team so special. You’ll hear it on the field and especially in the dugout.

“They are truly hilarious,” Myers said. “So, the likelihood of hearing me laughing really loud during a game is probable. The atmosphere is equally competitive and fun!”