Lady Broncos advance to playoffs 17 years straight

By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon High School has only had their softball program for 17 years, but the Lady Broncos 17-0 in playoff appearances. From its beginning, Lady Bronco softball has been solid in post-season play. Coach Gary Jack has been at the helm for 13 years and feels his team has a chance of going deep into the playoffs. The Lady Broncos solidified a third-place in district play last Friday with a run-rule 15-2 victory over Memphis. Earlier in the week, they were able to down Booker 8-3.

“We took care of Memphis early and was able to run-rule them,” Jack said. “We had a great start in the game.”

Senior Briley Chadwick was on the mound and according to Jack, threw a good game. The ladies were hitting well on offense also.

“Brianna Butler had a good game hitting and had a single, triple, and a home run,” Jack said.

“Jensen Hatley, Briley, Darcy Hunsaker, Zaryia Smith, Sandrea Smith, Emily Johnson, and Madi Gay all had good hits. Darcy had a double in the game and Madi hit the ball really well. We were able to put them away.”

Chadwick also got the call in the Booker game and Allyson Hogan was behind the plate.

“The wind was blowing in strong,” Jack said. “It was a tough game, but our defense held them several times and we were able to end the inning with them still on base.”

Once again, the Lady Bronco bats were strong with Butler slamming two singles and a triple and Chadwick connecting on a single and a triple.

Johnson, Z. Smith and S. Smith each recorded a double and Hunsaker did a good job at the plate.

“We had timely hits,” Jack said. “We were able to control the whole game.”

The Lady Broncos are finding their stride at a good time. After a semi-slow start, the ladies are putting it all together just in time for post-season play.

“We will play Abernathy on Friday and Saturday this week,” Jack said. “They are a good team and we have our work cut out for us. But we went six and one in the second half (of our district schedule). Our only loss this second half was at West Texas High at 6-7.”

The ladies will take on Abernathy at Tascosa High on Friday, April 28 beginning at 6:00 pm.