It was a weird set of circumstances for Katy this week.

An series that started a day earlier than normal, a two day rain delay and going against one of the toughest teams that the Tigers have faced all year threw adversity Katy’s way, but the team was able to overcome that and earn a sweep over Brazoswood in two games, beating the Buccaneers 3-1, 2-1 in two games to advance to the Region III-6A Final.  

“It was a little tough having to leave and wait so long to play again,” said senior center fielder Ashtyn Reichardt. “But we came back and we were really focused going into today. We came to play today and as soon as we got here you could see how bad everyone wanted it. It was just a mindset thing and everyone was ready to go and get this win.”

Katy jumped ahead early in game two. Reichardt walked to open the game and then got bunted over by Hailey Gore. Montgomery Henderson then started the scoring with a single that drove in Reichardt. Avery Porter then led off the second inning with a triple and she was driven in by Lexie Waugh, who hit a sacrifice bunt. The game was delayed with the Tigers leading 2-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning and when it was picked back up on Saturday, Ella-Kate Smith kept her performance going on the mound, getting up to 12 batters in a row retired going into the sixth inning. Brazoswood scored and trimmed Katy’s lead to one in the bottom of the sixth and Katy brought on Harrison, who closed things out by not allowing a hit over the final 1.1 innings, striking out two and sealing the win for the Tigers. Smith pitched 5.2 innings and allowed jus the one run on three hits while striking out seven and walking two.

“I was just excited to have a chance and help my team, becase that’s my goal and I’ll do it any way that I can,” Smith said. “It felt great to be back out there this weekend and even better to get the win.

Offensively, Henderson and Waugh drove in runs while Reichardt and Avery Porter scored them. Katy only had three hits, but that’s all they needed and they hope going against such a tough pitcher and team will help them going into later rounds.

“I think this was the perfect series to get us ready for the rest of the way,” Reichardt said. “There’s no more easy games and having to play two close ones I think we got the nerves out. We were relaxed towards the end but focused and I think that going through this series is just going to help us.”

The regional final appearance is the first for Katy since 2019, when they went on to win the Class 6A state title. This team is out to try and do the same and they will do anything to keep this special season going.

“These girls are on a mission and they’ve just been bringing it day in and day out,” said Katy head coach Kalum Haack. “Cameryn is the leader of that, making sure everyone is ready to play, making sure they prepare and everyone else is stepping to the plate and doing their part.”