HUNTSVILLE – The Thrall Tigerettes varsity softball team moved one win away from the state semifinals after earning a 4-0 victory over the Kirbyville Wildcats in Game 1 of the regional finals Thursday, May 14, in Huntsville.
Senior pitcher Miley Pokorny once again delivered a dominant performance in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out seven batters in a complete- game shutout. The senior kept Kirbyville off balance throughout the night and continued her strong postseason run.
“She had a lot of grit and a lot of grind,” Thrall head coach Matt Pokorny said. “She never gets out of her realm, and she keeps us in every game. Even if we only score two or three runs, we have a chance every game.”
Thrall’s offense was sparked by freshman Reese Madsen, who came through with several key hits. Madsen gave the Tigerettes an early lead in the third inning with an RBI triple before adding a solo home run in the sixth inning to extend the advantage to 2-0. She finished 2 for 3 at the plate with two RBIs, a home run and a triple.
The Tigerettes added insurance later in the sixth inning when Ryleigh Jensen blasted a two-run home run to push the lead to 4-0 and put the game out of reach. Jensen also finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a home run to go with a double.
Thrall also played a clean game defensively behind Pokorny, making several key plays in the field to preserve the shutout. Coach Pokorny praised his team’s overall effort and composure throughout the game.
“From the very first pitch, they played great solid defense, and we made timely hits,” Pokorny said. “They are just playing really well right now and are in a good spot.”
The Tigerettes now need just one more victory over Kirbyville to secure a spot in the UIL state semifinals. Despite holding the series advantage, Coach Pokorny said his team is staying focused and treating the next game with urgency.
“I just keep telling them we are the underdog and nothing is going to be given to you,” Pokorny said. “I think they believe that.”
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, with a third game to follow if necessary.
While Thrall controlled Game 1 from start to finish, Pokorny expects a much tougher challenge from Kirbyville in the next matchup as the Wildcats fight to keep their season alive.
“They are very solid,” Pokorny said. “They have good pitching and defense, and they just didn’t hit the ball well on Thursday, but I think that will change on Saturday. We will see.”
