Softball: Bobcats reflect on solid season

A heartbreaking ending can't ruin an outstanding softball season for the Cy-Fair Lady Bobcats and longtime coach Debbie Burrow.

The 2011 campaign was highlighted by a District 17-5A championship and a 26-8 overall mark that came after a 6-5 loss to Katy Taylor in the Class 5A Region III quarterfinals.

The Lady Bobcats recorded postseason wins against Aldine 28-0 in bidistrict, and Seven Lakes 13-2 and 6-1 in the second round, and much of the credit, according to Burrow, goes to the senior leadership of catcher Cassandra Barefield, who hit a home run against Katy Taylor, and classmates Ashley Leins, Hillary Webster, Jodi Ekster and Christa Hartnett.

"This senior class is special, and like every one, will be missed," said Burrow, who completed her 25th season this year. "The seniors just about always set the tone, and they did an outstanding job this spring."

Cy-Fair will defend its 17-5A title with a number of returning starters including juniors Paige Murray (third base) and Laura Driskill (pitcher), and sophomores Amanda Fulkerson (center field) and Mariah Gibson (pitcher).

"The entire team, from the starters to reserves, played some kind of role in our success, and that's what it takes to win a district championship and advance in the playoffs," Burrow said.

Cy-Fair swept through 17-5A with a 17-0 record finishing well ahead of co-playoff qualifiers Jersey Village, Cy Woods and Cy Ranch.

Katy Taylor went on to fall 7-3 in the region semifinals to Dobie, which meets defending 5A state champion Pearland in this week's region finals.

The University Interscholastic League Softball State Tournament is June 2-4 at the University of Texas Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin (www.uiltexas.org/softball/state).