Cy-Fair Roundup: Bobcats burst out of the gate

To say the Cy-Fair Lady Bobcats got off to a good start in District 17-5A softball can definitely be classified as an understatement.

The 5-0 takeoff saw Cy-Fair outscore its opponents 57-0 with the closest contest an 8-0 blanking of Cy Lakes on Feb. 25.

"We're pleased to be where we are, but there's a long way to go," longtime Cy-Fair coach Debbie Burrow said. "All of the girls are playing very well and they are winning as a team."

Senior catcher Cassandra Barefield belted five home runs during the team's 14-7 overall start, and last week, sophomore center fielder Amanda Fulkerson had two home runs in a 15-0 win against Langham Creek, and junior pitcher Laura Driskill no hit Cy Creek in a 10-0 triumph.

Driskill has shared time in the circle with sophomore pitcher Mariah Gibson, and junior third baseman is one of the top hitters and team leaders.

Cy-Fair finished second to Cy Woods in district last season and fell to Georgetown in the first round of the playoffs.

"We feel like we're among the favorites in district, and a big part of that was playing a challenging pre-district schedule," Burrow said. "It really helped us prepare for what we know is going to be a tough race, and there are several good teams in the district like Cy Ridge, Cy Lakes and Jersey Village."

The Lady Bobcats host Cy Ranch at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, and after spring break, resume district play at 6 p.m. on March 22 at Jersey Village.

Cy Ranch has recorded district wins against Langham Creek 11-1, Cy Ridge 12-2, Jersey Village 6-3 and Cy Woods 6-3.

Cy Lakes baseball on big stage

Cy Lakes baseball plays on the biggest stage in town — Minute Maid Park - against St. Thomas at noon Thursday, March 10, during the opening day of the Father Wilson/Sister Julia Tournament.

The special date on the Astros' home field comes from facing a St. Thomas team coached by former Astro great Craig Biggio, and it's the only game at Minute Maid during the three-day event.

Cy Lakes has to pack its belongings in a hurry and get to St. Thomas High School by 4 p.m. that same day to meet Klein Forest.

The tournament also has games at St. Pius X (including Cy Ridge), Kinkaid (including Cy Ranch), and Second Baptist.

Soccer coaches speaking out

Several soccer coaches have commented on the negative drop in officiating this season, especially when districts are forced to use two referees instead of three due to budget restraints.

The common gripe is it's hard enough to make correct calls with three officials, and with only two, and with so many new refs calling games, it can get pretty physical out there.

"It's hard to tell the players to blow it off and just keep playing when obvious calls are missed, and it turns into even more contact on the field," said one coach who did not want to be identified. "It can get pretty heated in a hurry.

Cy Springs baseball

Cy Springs is among the field at the 25th annual Spring ISD Kenny Crafton Memorial Baseball Tournament that runs Thursday through Saturday, March 10-12, at various locations.

The Panthers are in a pool that plays at Westfield High School and they meet Westfield at 1 p.m. and Clear Brook at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, and play Houston Christian at 4 p.m. Friday, March 11.

Games on Saturday, March 12, are seeded and will be announced.

The tournament also has games at Dekaney and Spring High Schools.