With one out and bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning, Hays’ Maxine Valdez stepped up to the plate with a chance to win the playoff series against the Brennan Bears in game two.

Hays appeared to be in good hands at the time. Just one run separated the team from advancing to the regional quarterfinals of the 2017 6A softball playoffs. But it wasn’t meant to be as the Rebels, who struggled to generate offense in key situations Saturday, saw its 2017 campaign conclude in hear...