By Ryan Mayner

The Hays Lady Rebels softball team defeated the visiting Akins Eagles 4-0 Tuesday as they honored their senior class and improved their playoff chances. 

Referring to her senior class, Coach Lisa Cone said she’s “looking for them to help get us pumped up for the playoff season,” which is set to begin soon. 

If Bowie, which sits in third place, wins its last two games, she pointed out “we’ll have a playoff for the playoffs” with Austin High. 

Excellent pitching and defensive play characterized the game. 

Akins got a baserunner on third base in the second inning, but Hays ended the threat. The Lady Rebels had a runner on third base in the bottom of the second inning; the Eagles threatened again in the top of the third. Neither team could capitalize on their chances. 

The coaches tried hard to squeeze a run out of their lineups. Hitters were barely getting the ball out of the infield. 

Tension mounted when Akins was awarded first base in the fourth inning on a call that brought Cone out of the dugout. Cone began to discuss the call with the umpire. 

The discussion became an argument, which got the crowd into the game. Both dugouts began to act out, yelling and screaming and banging loudly. 

Hays’ Kara Davis asserted control in the top of the fourth inning, striking out the side and turning momentum. 

The Lady Rebel offense responded by punching home four runs in the bottom of the frame. Haleigh Madden, Alyssa Martinez, Aspen Salazar and Madison Allen contributed in turning a scoreless tie into a 4-0 lead. 

It gave Kara Davis all the runs she would need. Davis pitched all seven innings and notched eight strikeouts.  

The Lady Rebels complete the district season with a 10-6 record but now await their playoff fate this week.