BATTLING WITH THE BEST

Overshadowed by state champion Jonesboro, Meridian Lady Jackets Canyon Stauffer, Journey Stauffer named to All-District 12-1A first-team, two more on second team

Playing in the same district as the state champion Jonesboro Lady Eagles, the Meridian Lady Jacket baseball program ran up against some of the best teams the state had to offer all season long. By battling the best, the Lady Jackets earned accolades for their efforts when the All-District 12-1A selections were announced last week.

Senior Canyon Stauffer and junior Journey Stauffer were selected to the all-district first-team, senior Hope Cabrera and sophomore Dyna Potter were named to the all-district second-team, junior Mariana Paniagua drew honorable mention recognition, while Cabrera and Potter made the academic all-district team.

“These young ladies have worked hard this year, and we couldn’t be more proud,” Meridian softball head coach Keandria Taylor said. We’re so proud of their accomplishments.”

After advancing to the 2024 UIL State Softball Tournament, Jonesboro knocked off Slocum (15-13-1), 10-0, in convincing fashion in the Class 1A State Semifinal at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin last Tuesday as Ally Thorman tossed a three-hit shutout while Adalyna Andrade knocked in three runs, Emily Turner drove in two more and Lynlee Deats reach base all three times scoring three runs.

Then in the state championship game, the Lady Eagles (23-7) battled for a 3-1 victory over Neches (16-3) last Wednesday as Adalyna Andrade tossed a complete game four-hitter for the victory from the circle while catcher Emily Turner went three-for-three with a double, a triple, a run scored and a run batted in at the plate.

Moving into the second round of District 12-1A competition, the Lady Jackets approached the final four games of the 2024 Texas high school softball regular season still looking for their first victory.

Opening the second round of district at home against state-ranked Jonesboro, the Lady Jackets proved no match for the league-leaders as the Lady Eagles (6-0 in district) soared to a dominating 23-0 victory as Lady Eagle Julie Henderson tossed a no-hitter, striking out five.

Still looking for its first win of the season, Meridian suffered a similar fate against District 12-1A runner-up Blum Lady Bobcats (4-2, 20-8) as the Lady Jackets managed only one hit in a 19-0 loss.

Looking to wrap up the regular season with a doubleheader against the Covington Lady Owls for Senior Night, Covington (0-6, 0-11) forfeited both games due to the inability to field a team suffering from multiple injuries.

With the second game of the doubleheader intended to be the makeup of the first-round matchup postponed on March 26 due to inclement weather, the Lady Jackets (2-4, 2-13) officially ended the season with a two-game winning streak.

“I feel really good about the season,” Taylor said. “The girls worked hard every day and that showed in every game we played. The goal this year was to pretty much have fun this season. But in the process, we learned and grew as the season progressed.”