** Due to UIL regulations, we are not permitted to sell game films or photos from this event.  We apologize for any inconvenience.** 

The 2007 UIL State Softball Tournament began Friday at The University of Texas’ McCombs Field. The 18-5 Katy Tigers faced off against the 6-5A Lewisville Marcus Marauders to fight for a position in the State Championship game on Saturday and make both of their first appearances at state a memorable one.

The first two innings left both teams stranded on base. The Tigers and the Marauders connected with the ball but could not make it around the diamond.

The Marauders again made contact with the ball in the top of the third but the Tiger defense was there to make three quick outs and not allow a single Marauder’s foot to touch a base.

The Tigers’ Stacey Dominique started the hits and the runs in the bottom of the third. Dominique landed herself on first base with a grounder and then began stealing bases to make her way home. As Dominique went to steal third she was struck by the ball, with the ball rolling off to the side of the field she continued her motion and headed for home plate to score the first run of the game.

With Victoria Ortega on first base, Matte Haack stepped up to the plate. Haack hit a double to left field and gave Ortega time to add another run to the board. The Tigers closed the inning with three runs, Haack scored the third on an overthrown ball to third base giving her time to slide home.

The fourth and fifth innings were a battle for the Marauders to catch up and the Tigers to hold their lead. Solid fielding by both teams kept the score at 3-0 going into the sixth inning.

The Marauder’s Sarah Draheim started the sixth with a double past the shortstop. She was left on base as the top of the sixth closed with a pop fly to the outfield, with the Marauders still not having a chance to score. The Tigers continued to have hot bats in the bottom of the inning, Haack began the line up and started with a single to left field. Taran Tyler followed her with a bunt and Samantha Rickert received a double off her bunt that gave Haack the opportunity to beat the throw home for another Tiger run.

The Marauders were not ready to let their season end without a fight going into the seventh. Maureen Chunta slammed the ball to the right field fence allowing a runner to come home and put her on third base. This would be the only run the team would have as Katy’s pitcher, Denise Arnold and the fielders got the third out and the chance to play on Saturday for the state title winning the game with a final score of 4-1.      

The Tigers will play the Garland Owls for the 5A State Championship on Saturday at 8 p.m.

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