Road to playoffs may be tougher for Rudder softball

Most of the players who helped the Rudder softball team earn its first playoff bid last year are back, but the Lady Rangers' road back to the postseason could be just as hard.

It will definitely be longer, with two new teams added to District 16-4A. With Bastrop Cedar Creek and Round Rock Cedar Ridge pushing the league to nine teams, the battle for spots in the state playoffs will begin early and have the Lady Rangers playing 16-4A games often.

Rudder's girls will start the double round-robin district schedule one week into the season, which starts for the Lady Rangers when they visit Caldwell on Tuesday. Rudder will compete in the Bryan-College Station Tournament over the weekend, then host Pflugerville Connally to open league play Feb. 21.

By comparison, Bryan and A&M Consolidated will have an extra week, and another tournament, to prepare for 12-5A play.

"It's kind of a trade-off," Rudder coach Brandy Gibson said. "You'd like to get some games in before district to get them warmed up, but it could be good if you're playing your best softball at the beginning of the year."

The Lady Rangers might be well-suited for a fast start. Rudder returns all but two players from last year's team, which went 15-17 overall and finished third in district at 8-4. The first playoff appearance in the program's three years ended with a bi-district sweep at the hands of Ennis.

Rudder returns its top pitchers and several key hitters from the team that flourished in its first season at the Class 4A level.

"I definitely expect us to be competitive again," Gibson said. "We're going to have to fight because there are some good teams in our district, but I think we're going to compete. Last year gave us a lot of confidence.

"Most of the girls have been on the varsity since they were freshmen. They've been with me for three years and know what I expect. They're at the point where they are really performing."

Rudder's returning players include junior pitcher Haley Parker, who was the Lady Rangers' only first-team all-district selection last year. Parker shared time in the pitcher's circle with Britney Bledsoe, who returns for her senior season. Sophomore Meghan Carpio, who was on the varsity but did not pitch last year, should provide depth at the position.

"Haley Parker threw really well last year," Gibson said. "I felt really confident when Haley was out there. She got us through a lot of key games. Meghan Carpio is going to see a lot of pitching time this year. We've got to look to the future and get her some varsity experience."

The Lady Rangers should be improved offensively. Gibson likes the hitting potential provided by senior catcher Kayla Emery, Bledsoe (who also plays outfield), and sophomore shortstop Ashleigh Perez, who was 16-4A newcomer of the year last season.

"We've got a lot of strong hitters coming back," Gibson said. "I'm real excited about that."

Rudder's second senior class includes outfielder Bonnie Salinas, infielder Macy Maurer and infielder Brittany Gibson.

2012 RUDDER SOFTBALL

Number  Name  Class  Position

2 Bonnie Salinas sr. OF

3 Macy Maurer sr. IF/C

4 Haley Parker jr. P

5 Hilary Hoffman jr. IF

11 Meghan Carpio soph. P/OF

12 Brittany Gibson sr. IF

13 Nyasia Morgan Pittman jr. OF

14 Britney Bledsoe sr. OF/P

15 Brianna Johnson fr. IF

16 Ashleigh Perez soph. IF

19 Kayla Emery sr. C