Softball Roundup: Willis Advances To Area Playoffs

Willis exploded for nine runs in the second inning on the way to a 20-0, five-inning win over Aldine MacArthur in a 6A bi-district playoff game Thursday at Shelly Field, according to the Conroe Courier.

It was the first playoff victory for Ladykats since they moved up to 6A after the 2019 season.

The Ladykats advance to the area round, where they will play either Cypress Woods or Klein Oak.

Erika Flynn, Morgan Dutton power Oak Ridge to series lead

Erika Flynn pitched a shutout, and Morgan Dutton homered to lead Oak Ridge to a 13-0 victory over Aldine Eisenhower in Game 1 of their Class 6A bi-district playoff series Thursday at Aldine ISD Softball Complex. Game 2 will be at 5 p.m. Friday at Oak Ridge.

Flynn tossed a one-hitter and struck out 12 in the five-inning win, and she notched a double with two walks and two runs batted in. Dutton went 3 for 4 with two RBIs for the War Eagles (19-5).

Senior Samantha Graeter went 2 for 3 with a triple and four RBIs, and senior Alexia Villegas went 1 for 3 with two RBIs for the District 20-5A champions.

Lake Creek wins first playoff game in program history

Third-ranked Lake Creek earned the first playoff win in program history with a 4-0 victory over Magnolia in Game 1 of their Class 5A bi-district series Thursday at Lake Creek.

The Lions (33-0) notched a shutout for the 18th time in their last 20 games. Game 2 will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Magnolia.

Senior starting pitcher Emiley Kennedy (15-0) struck out 12 to earn the win, and the Texas A&M signee added an RBI on offense.

Sophomore Payton Bauer went 2 for 2, and junior Madelyn Lopez and sophomore Ava Brown each hit a double. Lopez had two runs batted in, and senior Jenny Robison knocked in another run.

The Woodlands routs Dekaney in bi-district opener

The Woodlands put up 12 runs in the first inning and never looked back in a 26-1 five-inning victory over Dekaney in the opener of their 6A bi-district playoff series Thursday at The Woodlands.

Game 2 will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Dekaney.

Grand Oaks takes 1-0 lead in bi-district series

Grand Oaks opened its 6A bi-district playoff series with an 8-2 victory over Spring on Thursday at home.

Game 2 will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Spring.

Splendora sweeps Orangefield to reach area round

Splendora etched out a 5-4 win over Orangefield in Game 2 of their 4A bi-district playoff series Thursday to complete a sweep and advance to the area round.

The LadyCats won the first game 9-1 on Wednesday and will play either Houston Wheatley or Sealy in the second round.