The Robert E. Lee softball team is making its first playoff appeance since 2011. Team members are: Samantha Hill, Brittany Hogge, Makenna Aycock, Chelsea Robinson, DeAsia Gilbert, Maliegha Leach, Cameron Attaway, Haley Brown, Kambree Yates, Kaylee Hahn, Nacosha Hawkins, Mary Artmire, Shaniqua Gray and Betty Allen. ( Lang White / Correspondent )

It was not that long ago when Robert E. Lee shocked the softball playoffs by taking out a state-ranked and heavily favored opponent.

On May 1, 2010, sophomore pitcher Matti Aycock allowed just two hits in a complete-game shutout over No. 15 Bryan in a 2-0 win. Both of the Lady Raiders’ runs were unearned as REL was actually no-hit in its victory.

Friday marks five years since that victory — the program’s last postseason win.

And wouldn’t you know it, Lee is back in the playoffs and taking on a heavily favored and 18th-ranked Waco Midway team that enters with a 20-4 record.

And there’s an Aycock in the circle again for Lee. This time it’s younger sister and now senior Makenna.

The best-of-three Class 6A bi-district playoff series begins with a doubleheader at Faulkner Park Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. with the second game to begin 30 minutes following the completion of the first game. If a Game 3 is needed, it will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Waco Midway.

Lee captured the fourth and final playoff spot Tuesday by run-ruling Garland Lakeview Centennial 10-0 in a play-in game. The Lady Raiders are making the program’s first trip to the postseason since 2011.

“It is very exciting and a great accomplishment for our kids,” Lee coach Maggie Stephenson said. “It’s a result of hard work, senior leadership and the investment our girls have made. The support from our entire REL softball community has been awesome.”

The Lady Raiders (9-13) faced No. 1 Rockwall twice this season in district and were unable to get past the fifth inning in run-rule losses.

Lee dropped its final two district games, which necessitated the play-in game for fourth, but Stephenson said after the victory that it could turn out to be a positive. The Lady Raiders were able to experience and overcome playoff pressure in that win-or-go-home game.

Producing success against Lakeview is one thing. Taking out Midway Lady Panthers is something else. Midway is led by Taylor Ellis, who enters with a .568 batting average with 42 hits and 33 RBIs. Ellis and Taylor Mordecai also have four home runs a piece with Midway smacking 15 long balls total as a team.

Stephenson understands the challenge, but said you only have to look back five years for inspiration.

“While they are a No. 1 seed, no team is unbeatable. What I love most about our girls is that they never give up. They’ve turned all the adversity they’ve faced this season into opportunity. The girls have been invested and hungry for the playoffs since August,” Stephenson continued.

“We have fought all year long to finish strong and compete in the playoffs. Now it’s here. I am so proud of our girls and confident it will be a great series.”

 

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