Cross country and track standout Matthew Cato committed to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Cato recently advanced to the regional round of the Class 5A track and field championships.

The remaining signees will continue their football careers at the collegiate level.

Offensive lineman Drake McCoy and utility player Michael Wilson both signed with Texas College in Tyler.

Michael Mejias, a key piece of Elgin’s offense last season, committed to Wayland Baptist University.

Defensive end Lewis Reese signed with Independence Community College in Kansas, a program that gained national attention after being featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

The upcoming season also marks Elgin’s first year competing under new district realignment. The Wildcats are coming off a 2-8 overall record and will look to build on that mark in Lucero’s second year at the helm.

The Wildcats open with back-to-back scrimmages, hosting Cedar Creek at Old Wildcat Stadium Aug. 14 before traveling to Lockhart’s Lions Stadium Aug. 21. The regular season kicks off Aug. 28 at Manor Athletic Complex against Manor.

Elgin hits the road for the first stretch of district play, traveling to Nelson Field in Austin to face Northeast Sept. 5, then heading to Taylor Sept. 11 to play the Ducks. The Wildcats stay on the road against Del Valle Sept. 18 and Bryan Rudder Sept. 24 before a bye week.

The roster returns to action Oct. 8 at Pflugerville’s The Pfield, then heads back to Nelson Field to face Liberal Arts and Science Academy Oct. 16.

The Wildcats return for Homecoming against Crockett Oct. 23 before traveling to rival Bastrop at Memorial Stadium Oct. 30.

Senior Night closes out the regular season Nov. 6 at home against Navarro.

ELGIN

For the Wildcats, Matthew Cato placed fifth in the boys 3200-meter run with a time of 9:33.82.

Ta’Myra Walker finished 14th in the girls 100-meter dash prelims at 12.69 seconds.

The girls 4x100 relay team of Zy’ere Clemons, Avery Rodman, Heaven Crawford and Walker set a personal best of 50.21 seconds, placing 15th in the prelims.

BASTROP

Kian Pucek turned in a double effort, placing eighth in the boys long jump at 20 feet, 11.5 inches and seventh in the boys triple jump at 43 feet, 4.5 inches.

Jocelyn Thompson cleared 10 feet, 6 inches for eighth place in the girls pole vault, and Austin Moilan threw 142 feet for 10th in the boys discus.

Two relay teams set personal bests. The girls 4x100 lineup of Laniya Stone, Bethany Greer, Kennedi Clemons and Taylor Herklotz ran a 50.66, while the girls 4x200 team of Stone, Greer, Clemons and Victoria Hickman clocked 1:45.20.

Greyson Thompson competed in the boys pole vault but did not record a height. Zachary Wilkinson finished 15th in the boys 110-meter hurdles prelims at 15.87 seconds, Caleb Bolt placed 13th in the boys 300-meter hurdles prelims at 42.47 and John Findlay finished 16th in the boys 200-meter dash prelims at 22.41.

Bethany Greer placed 15th in the girls 100meter dash prelims at 12.83.

SMITHVILLE

Briyanna Sampson led the Tigers with a fourthplace finish in the girls long jump at 17 feet, 7 inches.

Zane Perkins cleared 13 feet for sixth place in the boys pole vault, and Baylor Watson threw 135 feet, 3 inches for ninth in the boys discus.

Zacaria Hibbens finished eighth in the boys 800-meter run at 2:26.14, and Ava Bryant placed 12th in the girls 400-meter dash prelims at 1:01.92.

GAME 1

The Bears could not keep pace with the Eagles offensively April 30, falling 8-2 in the first game of the series at Georgetown High School.

Bastrop scored both runs in the first inning on a two-RBI double from Roman Olvera. Georgetown answered in the bottom half of the inning, walking in a run, and controlled play the rest of the way.

The Bears had a chance to extend their lead in the second inning with runners on the corners but were thrown out at second. It was scoreless for the next two innings before the Eagles broke the game open with a fiverun inning to take a 6-2 lead. A walk and an error started the chain, followed by a bases-clearing triple that scored three runs and a two-RBI single.

Bastrop once again had a runner in scoring position with two on and two outs, but a groundout ended the inning. Georgetown closed out the game with a two-RBI double.

Jackson Phillips took the loss, throwing two innings and giving up four runs with one strikeout. Francisco Arriaga got the start, going three innings and allowing four runs while striking out six.

GAME 2

The difference in Game 2 was a hit by pitch in the second inning that allowed the Eagles to score their second and final run.

Bastrop fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning as the Eagles hit a leadoff solo home run. The Bears once again stranded a runner in the bottom half, leaving a runner on second after two straight strikeouts ended the inning.

Georgetown added another run on a hit by pitch in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead. Bastrop found some life in the fifth inning, scoring on an error to cut the lead to 2-1.

However, the Bears went down in order the rest of the way as their season came to a close.

Cooper Voigt took the loss, throwing all seven innings and giving up two runs on five hits while striking out five.

Despite the loss, the Bears had a successful season, finishing 7-3 in district play. Bastrop will look to build on this momentum in the offseason as it returns a veteran- heavy team next year.

GAME 1

The Lady Tigers struggled to find a rhythm at the plate in a 2-0 loss to Salado April 29. Smithville managed just three hits and struck out a season- high 18 times in the contest.

Addison Otto, Brittney Collins and Jessi Davis each recorded a hit for Smithville. Jessica Hinnant took the loss but delivered a strong performance in the circle, pitching a complete seven innings while allowing two runs on five hits and striking out 11.

Smithville opened the game with three consecutive strikeouts in the top of the first inning, and Salado capitalized in the bottom half. A costly error at third base allowed the Eagles to take an early 1-0 lead.

The Lady Tigers’ offensive struggles continued into the second inning, extending their strikeout streak to six. Salado added what proved to be the final run of the game in the bottom half of the inning, using a leadoff triple to set up a score and push the lead to 2-0.

Smithville threatened in the third inning, putting runners on the corners with two outs following a walk and a double by Otto. However, a strikeout ended the opportunity and halted the momentum.

The Lady Tigers did not get another runner into scoring position until the top of the seventh inning. Back-to-back singles from Collins and Davis put runners on first and second with no outs, giving Smithville a late chance to rally.

That oppor t unit y quickly faded as Collins was caught stealing third, and both Kenna Tiner and Kenzly White struck out to end the game.

GAME 2

Smithville showed more offensive life in Game 2 but ultimately fell 5-2, ending its season without forcing a decisive third game April 30.

The Lady Tigers outhit Salado 7-6 but struggled to capitalize, leaving multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Salado jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first inning on a tworun home run. Smithville had a chance to respond in the bottom half but stranded a runner at second.

The Eagles extended their lead in the second inning, adding two more runs on a single and a fielding error to make it 4-0.

Smithville answered in the third inning when Hinnant delivered a two-RBI single, scoring the Lady Tigers’ only runs of the series and cutting the deficit to two. Despite the momentum shift, Smithville was unable to build on the rally.

Salado added an insurance run in the fifth inning on an RBI single to make it 5-2 and close out the scoring.

In the final inning, Smithville was unable to mount a comeback, going down in order on three straight strikeouts. The Lady Tigers combined for 34 strikeouts over the two-game series.

Hinnant again took the loss in Game 2, allowing five runs while recording 10 strikeouts.

Despite the postseason exit, Smithville put together an impressive season. The Lady Tigers finished with a perfect district record and captured their second consecutive district title.

Looking ahead, Smithville will graduate nine seniors, but a strong group of returning starters provides a solid foundation to pursue a third straight district championship.

The Lady Bears varsity softball team walked away from the Class 5A-Division I game April 24 with a 19-12 overall record. East View, now 26-8, will face either Galena Park or Victoria East in the area round.

With the exception of one error, the Lady Patriots played flawless defense. Pitcher Lucy Hanna struck out five Lady Bears and surrendered three hits and a walk in the shutout effort.

East View never let up after the first inning.

Alina Torres was hit by a pitch and Elle Rozacky followed with a double before Maddy Rose drove both runners across the plate with a two-run single.

Bastrop threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the third when Andrea Mangandi walked and Lanie Coy hit a single to put two Lady Bears on base with one out. But a flyout and strikeout induced by Hanna kept the score at 2-0.

East View added a run in the top of the fourth. Olivia Johnson, who hit a one-out double, scored on an error three batters later.

Bastrop saw another chance to get on the board in the bottom of the seventh. Madison Perez reached base on an error before moving to third on consecutive groundouts.

Hanna, however, induced a third straight groundout to end the game.

Ryan Steffanic (2-3) led the Lady Bears at the plate. Coy (1-3) also contributed.

Ella Griesenbeck suffered the loss in the pitcher’s circle. She surrendered three runs on 10 hits and struck out three.

Friday’s contest was the final high school softball game for four Bastrop seniors. Coy, Perez, Aubrey Donaghe and Hannah Sagebiel wore a Lady Bears uniform for the last time.

Elgin, Bastrop and Cedar Creek participants will travel to Webster May 1, while Smithville will compete at the Bullard meet May 2. The top two finishers advance to the state level May 14-16 at Mike A. Meyers Stadium in Austin.

Area athletes competing in regionals include:

ELGIN

• Matthew Cato (3200)

• Ta’Myra Walker (100) 4x100 relay team

BASTROP BOYS

• Greyson Thompson (pole vault)

• Kian Pucek (triple jump, long jump)

• Zachary Wilkinson (110 hurdles)

• Caleb Bolt (300 hurdles) • John Findley (200)

• Austin Moilan (discus)

BASTROP GIRLS

• Jocelyn Thompson (pole vault)

• Bethany Greer (100) 4x100 relay team, 4x200 relay team

SMITHVILLE

• Briyanna Sampson (long jump, triple jump)

• Zacaria Hibbens (800)

• Zane Perkins (pole vault)

• Baylor Watson (discus)

• Ava Bryant (400)

CEDAR CREEK

• MacKenzy Roberts (300 hurdles)

ALTAIR — Smithville rolled to a 15-0 victory over La Marque in the bi-district round of the playoffs April 23 at Rice High School.

The Lady Tigers varsity softball team needed just four innings to secure the run-rule win, powered by dominant performances at the plate from Addison Otto and Jessica Hinnant. The duo combined to go 5-for-6 with three RBIs each, leading an explosive offensive showing.

Hinnant was equally impressive in the circle, tossing a complete-game four-inning shutout. She allowed just one hit while striking out 12 and faced just 16 batters.

Smithville wasted no time getting on the board.

Brittney Collins delivered an RBI double in the first inning and later scored on a groundout to give the Lady Tigers a 2-0 lead. Collins finished a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs.

The offense continued to build momentum in the second inning as Otto drove in a run with a single. Hinnant added a two-RBI triple and Collins contributed another RBI single to extend the lead to six.

Smithville broke the game open in the third inning, plating seven runs.

Kenzly White sparked the rally with an RBI single, and Brityn Roberts followed with a two-RBI double to push the advantage. Otto and Hinnant each added RBI singles before Jessi Davis and Cory Mukulin capped the inning with run-scoring hits, stretching the lead to 13-0.

Roberts drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth and Otto added another with an RBI double.

With the win, Smithville advances to the area round of the playoffs, where it will face Salado High School in a bestof- three series.

Game 1 is set for Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. The second match follows April 30 and the third, if needed, May 1, at the same time.

All games will be played at Thrall High School.

Elgin’s Matthew Cato led the boys with a thirdplace finish in the 3200meter run. On the girls side, Ta’Myra Walker placed third in the 100meter dash, and the Lady Wildcats 4x100-meter relay team finished fourth.

Bastrop’s boys team saw multiple athletes place inside the top four. Greyson Thompson led the way with a first-place finish in the pole vault; Kian Pucek claimed gold in the triple jump and added a thirdplace finish in the long jump; Zachary Wilkinson earned third in the 110meter hurdles; Caleb Bolt took bronze in the 300meter hurdles; John Findley finished fourth in the 200-meter dash; and Austin Moilan added a thirdplace finish in the discus.

For the girls of Bastrop, Jocelyn Thompson recorded a second-place finish in the pole vault, Bethany Greer placed fourth in the 100-meter dash, Bears’ relay teams finished third in the 4x100-meter relay and fourth in the 4x200.

Cedar Creek’s girls team was represented by MacKenzy Roberts, who finished fourth in the 300-meter hurdles.

Smithville delivered some of the top performances at the meet, led by Briyanna Sampson, who swept both the long jump and triple jump with first-place finishes.

Zacaria Hibbens also brought home gold in the 800-meter run, while Zane Perkins finished first in the pole vault. Baylor Watson added a third-place finish in the discus, and Ava Bryant placed fourth in the 400meter dash.

Bastrop, Elgin and Cedar Creek will compete in the regional meet May 1-2 at Challenger Columbia Field in Webster, while Smithville will race at Bullard High School.

The Smithville Lady Tigers softball team secured a perfect 10-0 district championship after completing a sweep of Bellville last week.

The girls took home the title with a 3-0 win over the Brahmas April 14 and 5-3 finish three days later. The title marks the second consecutive district championship for Smithville, which finished 9-1 in district play last season before improving to an undefeated mark this year.

GAME ONE

Smithville’s Jessica Hinnant delivered a dominant performance in the circle, tossing a complete-game perfect game. She allowed no runs, no hits and no walks while striking out 13 batters.

The Lady Tigers also played a flawless defense behind her, committing no errors.

Despite the dominant pitching, Smithville had to grind for runs early. The Lady Tigers broke through in the bottom of the third inning when Brittney Collins drove in a run on an RBI single to give Smithville a 1-0 lead.

Smithville added insurance runs in the fifth inning with back-toback RBI doubles from Hinnant and Collins.

Collins led the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Hinnant closed out the game with a groundout followed by two strikeouts.

GAME TWO

Smithville capped its perfect district season with a hard-fought 5-3 win over Bellville in the series finale.

Addison Otto got the start in the circle, pitching three innings and allowing two runs. Hinnant came on in relief and once again dominated, giving up just one run while striking out nine batters.

The Lady Tigers struck first with an RBI single from Kenna Tiner to take a 1-0 lead. Bellville responded by taking its first lead of the series, capitalizing on an error and a base hit to go up 2-1 at the end of the third inning.

Smithville answered in the fifth after Hinnant settled things from the circle. Otto delivered a key two-run home run, and the Lady Tigers added another on a groundout to take a three-run lead.

Bellville managed to push across one run in the final inning, but Hinnant shut the door with three consecutive strikeouts to secure the victory and complete the undefeated district run.

Otto paced the offense, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs.

Smithville now advances to the postseason, where it will face La Marque in the bi-district round at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Rice High School.

Last season, the Lady Tigers dominated La Marque in the first round, winning the best-of-three series in two with a combined score of 30-0.

The Lady Bears entered the game needing a win to secure a playoff spot against undefeated Mc-Callum, and the roster came out swinging. Bastrop built a 6-0 lead by the end of the third inning after scoring three runs on a home run by Madison Perez in the first, later adding a run on an error and two-RBI double from Lizzie Rodriguez.

Ella Griesenbeck got the start in the circle and was dominant through the first three frames, allowing no runs and recording two strikeouts.

Momentum began to shift in the fourth when the Knights tallied their first run. Bastrop’s bats went quiet the rest of the way, forcing the Lady Bears to hold on late.

McCallum added another run in the fifth to make it 6-2, then scored three more in the sixth to pull within one.

The Knights threatened a tie or lead change later in the inning with runners on the corners and two outs, but a lineout to Jessa Clay ended the threat.

That defensive play proved crucial. McCallum put its leadoff runner on base in the seventh, but Bastrop recorded three straight outs to seal the win.

Jamie Green came on in relief of Griesenbeck and secured the save.

Bastrop faces East View at 6 p.m. Friday, April 24.

The Elgin High School boys soccer team capped off a breakthrough season with multiple District 23-5A postseason honors, highlighted by a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Diego Ramirez, the team’s leading scorer, was named the district’s Offensive MVP, headlining a group of Wildcats recognized for their production throughout the season.

Elgin also placed two players on the First Team All-District squad, with Diego Carbajal and Aurelio Montoya earning top honors.

Jesus Capetillo and Miguel Aguilar were selected to the Second Team, while Eric Portillo, Bryan Castelan, Jamie Harmer and Ayden Caballero each received Honorable Mention recognition.

Head coach Eddie Lerma was named District 23-5A Coach of the Year after guiding Elgin back to the postseason and overseeing one of the program’s most successful campaigns in recent years. The honors reflect a significant step forward for the Wildcats, who reestablished themselves as contenders in district play.

HUTTO — The Bears’ soccer season ended with a loss March 31, but not before Bastrop set a new benchmark with its deepest playoff run in program history.

Bastrop fell 4-0 to Liberal Arts and Science Academy at Hutto High School in the fourth round of the playoffs. The Raptors’ athleticism and pace were on full display, making it difficult for the Bears to produce clean looks on goal.

“LASA is a very talented team,” Bastrop head coach Greg Vuagniaux said. “We have either lost or tied for the past two seasons.”

Despite the loss, Bastrop’s playoff run marked a milestone for the program, which had never advanced past the third round.

Vuagniaux credited the team’s competitiveness and chemistry for the breakthrough season. “This team is full of strong competitors — they don’t like to lose,” he said. “They love the game of soccer, and they love each other. When you have that mix, it makes for some really great soccer.”

LASA took control early, finding the back of the net on a 30yard free kick just two minutes into the match. The Raptors added two more goals before halftime, extended their lead in the second and maintained control throughout in their shutout win.

Windy conditions played a significant role throughout the game, impacting both teams’ ability to control the ball. However, Bastrop appeared to struggle more with the elements, as several possessions were disrupted by errant passes and misplayed kicks.

The Bears created a few scoring opportunities in the first half. Angel Chavez nearly broke through on a one-on-one breakaway, but his early shot attempt sailed off target, keeping Bastrop off the scoreboard.

Vuagniaux, who completed his second season as head coach, now has five total playoff wins at Bastrop. He said the program’s goal is to extend its season as deep into the spring as possible.

“It’s definitely an accomplishment for the program, however … our end goal is to make it to April,” he said.

Bastrop will graduate 11 seniors but returns top scorers in Angel Chavez, Anthony Reyes, Franklin Martinez and freshman keeper Gavin Meraz.

With a historic run and a core group returning, the Bears enter next season with momentum and rising expectations.

“They love the game of soccer, and they love each other.”

— Greg Vuagniaux, Bastrop head coach

• Elgin softball loses to Georgetown, 18-2

• Bastrop baseball loses to LASA, 2-1

• Bastrop softball loses to LASA, 5-4

• Smithville baseball loses to Caldwell, 2-0

• Smithville softball wins against Caldwell, 4-3

The Eagles secured a 4-1 victory over the Vikings, while the Lady Eagles rolled to a 20-5 run-rule win April 2.

SOFTBALL

The Lady Eagles secured their second district win of the season with a three-inning performance.

Emma Fidler led the way with three RBIs of Cedar Creek’s total eight hits.

The Lady Eagles exploded for 10 runs in the first inning. Aricella Meta delivered an RBI single, and Krislynn Ramirez added an RBI triple before a hit-by-pitch and a bases-clearing triple from Fidler made it 6-0.

The Lady Eagles added four more runs on walks as Navarro’s pitching staff struggled, issuing 15 walks in the game.

Cedar Creek scored eight more runs in the second inning but allowed five runs in the bottom half on walks and a pair of hit batters.

The Lady Eagles closed out the game with two additional runs on a hit-by-pitch and an RBI single from Adamarie Dimas.

Cedar Creek improved to 2-9 in district play.

The Lady Eagles faced McCallum on Tuesday and will return to action against Liberal Arts and Science Academy at 7 p.m. April 10.

BASEBALL

The Eagles were in a much tighter contest last week, with runs at a premium in their 4-1 victory over Navarro.

Joseph Moreno led the way, earning the save while driving in two key runs. He finished 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs and pitched three scoreless innings, striking out three.

Isaiah Cancino earned the win, allowing one run over four innings while striking out four.

Navarro struck first, scoring on a flyout in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. Cedar Creek responded with three runs in the bottom half, highlighted by an RBI single from Moreno to tie the game and an RBI single from Cancino to give the Eagles a lead.

The Eagles added another run on a hitby- pitch and Moreno provided an insurance run in the fifth inning with his second RBI single of the game.

Cedar Creek improved to 3-5 in district play and sits fifth in the standings.

The Eagles faced Mc-Callum on Tuesday and will close the series against the Knights on Friday at 7 p.m.

Addison Otto and Kenzly White led the way, combining to go 6-for-7 at the plate with three RBIs apiece. The Lady Tigers broke the game open with a 10-run fifth inning to secure the win.

Both teams were scoreless through the first two innings. Smithville got on the board in the third on a two-RBI single from White.

Smithville added another run in the fourth on an RBI single from Jessica Hinnant to extend the lead to 3-0 and set up a massive fifth inning.

White opened the scoring in the fifth with an RBI single, and Brityn Roberts followed with one of her own to make it 5-0. Otto then delivered a bases-clearing triple to push the lead to eight runs, and senior Jessi Davis added a two-run double as Smithville extended its lead to 10-0.

The Lady Tigers capped the inning with RBI singles from senior Kenna Tiner and Alystar Ramos, along with a groundout, to secure the run-rule victory.

Hinnant was dominant in the circle, earning the win while allowing just one hit in five innings with eight strikeouts.

The Lady Tigers closed the series against Caldwell on Tuesday and will return to action against Navasota Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m.

MARBLE FALLS

The Wildcats got a strong performance in the circle March 24 from junior utility player Katelyn Anderson, who threw a complete game, allowing one run on five hits with no strikeouts.

Anderson pitched to contact and allowed her defense to back her up, as Elgin committed just one error.

That was not the case for the Mustangs, who had seven errors the Wildcats took advantage of.

Elgin got on the board in the top of the first, scoring two runs on an RBI single from senior Bianca Galindo and a groundout to make it 2-0. Marble Falls scored its only run of the game on a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the inning.

Elgin answered with a sacrifice fly of its own in the second inning to make it 3-1 and added another run in the fourth. The Lady Cats scored two runs on an error in the sixth before closing the game with a sacrifice bunt and 7-1 tally.

Galindo finished 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.

HENDRICKSON

The pitching was a different story March 27, as Anderson struggled early, allowing six runs on five hits in the first two innings.

Elgin’s defense also had trouble and committed seven errors. Hendrickson scored two runs in the first inning after an error.

Elgin had a runner in scoring position in the bottom half of the inning but could not convert. Hendrickson added four runs in the second, aided by two hit batters and another Lady Cats error.

The Hawks went on to score eight more unanswered points. Elgin found some success in the bottom of the fifth, as Trinity Martinez hit an RBI single and the Wildcats drew a bases- loaded walk, but the game ended early in a 14-2 loss.

Sarah Herring came on in relief of Anderson. She allowed eight runs on three hits.

The Wildcats faced Weiss March 31 and will return to action against Georgetown Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m.

The victory came on the heels of a 2-1 win over Houston Sharpstown in the area round March 24 at Rudder High School in Bryan, continuing a strong postseason run for the Bears. Head coach Gregory Vuagniaux praised his team’s all-around effort during the stretch.

“I felt like the boys, in all three phases that we work on, pulled it all together,” Vuagniaux said. “We have just been playing really as a unit. Whether we go up a goal or are down a goal, we are focused on the next thing, so I’m very proud of the boys.”

AREA ROUND COMEBACK

Bastrop opened the week with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Sharpstown, highlighted by a late goal from Gael Ramirez that sealed the win in the 74th minute.

Sharpstown struck early to take a 1-0 lead and maintained offensive pressure for much of the first half. The Bears, however, found their footing late in the half when sophomore Issac Velazquez netted the equalizer in the 37th minute.

The second half featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams creating scoring chances but unable to break through as defenses held firm. With overtime looming, Ramirez delivered the game winner, chipping in the go-ahead goal to lift Bastrop to victory.

The goal marked just his second of the season.

BEARS BREAK THROUGH

The momentum carried into the next round, where Bastrop turned in a dominant 4-1 win over Splendora.

The Bears’ offense came out aggressive and maintained control throughout the match.

Velazquez led the way with a standout performance, recording two goals and an assist. Franklin Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing off a free kick setup from Velazquez to give Bastrop a 1-0 lead.

Velazquez then took over, scoring back-toback goals in the 35th and 38th minutes to extend the lead to 3-0 before halftime.

Sophomore Anthony Reyes added another goal later in the match to cap the scoring and secure the 4-1 victory.

BUILDING A PROGRAM

Now in his second season, Vuagniaux has quickly elevated the program. After guiding the Bears to the third round of the playoffs last year, he has already led them one step further this season.

While the milestone is significant, Vuagniaux emphasized that the team’s focus remains on its ultimate goal.

“It’s definitely an accomplishment for the program,” he said. “However, it’s not our end goal. Even last year when we lost in the third round, our goal has been to make it to April. It’s really hard not to celebrate an accomplishment, but as an athlete, you have to focus on what’s in front of you.”

The Bears aimed to take the next step toward that goal as they faced Austin Liberal Arts & Science Academy in the fourth round after press time Tuesday, March 31. The Bastrop-LASA winner meets the Liberty Hill-Comal Pieper winner this weekend in the state semifinals.

“A lot of our team is made up of sophomores, so our team understands that we are not rebuilding — we are reloading.”

— Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma

The Elgin and Bastrop boys varsity soccer teams competed in the bi-district round of the playoffs Friday night, but only the Bears managed to keep their season alive.

The Wildcats fell 3-0 to Liberal Arts & Science Academy March 20, while Bastrop secured a 2-1 victory over Pflugerville Connally and advanced to the area round.

ELGIN

The Wildcats struggled offensively in their shutout at Nelson Field in Austin.

Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma said his team will build off the appearance.

“LASA is a really good team, and we just kind of fell a bit short,” Lerma said. “I think it was a lack of experience in the playoffs, but I think my team competed really well, and that’s all I can ask of them.”

Elgin trailed 2-0 at halftime and worked to keep the game within reach, but a second-half goal by the Raptors put the match out of reach.

Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma reflected on his team’s effort following the season-ending loss.

Despite the defeat, the season marked a significant step forward for the program. The Wildcats reached the postseason for the first time since 2014, signaling clear progress and momentum, according to Lerma.

“The future is looking bright,” he said. “A lot of our team is made up of sophomores, so our team understands that we are not rebuilding — we are reloading.”

Lerma emphasized that this playoff appearance is just the beginning, setting a higher standard for the program moving forward.

“A playoff team has to keep getting better day in and day out, so we won’t have any days off,” he said. “We’ll get back into the weight room, back to playing soccer, and the boys are ready for that.”

Elgin is set to return 12 players from this year’s postseason roster, including leading scorer Diego Ramirez, who will enter his senior season next year.

BASTROP

The Bears rallied in the second half to edge the Cougars in a 2-1 victory Friday at the Manor Athletic Complex.

Bastrop trailed 1-0 at halftime but responded with a strong second-half performance. Senior Cayden Justice and junior Angel Chavez Hernandez each scored to lift the Bears to the comeback win.

Freshman Gavin Meraz contributed with an assist in the victory.

The win marks the second consecutive season Bastrop defeated Pflugerville Connally by a 2-1 scoreline in the opening round of the playoffs.

With the victory, Bastrop advanced to face Sharpstown in the area round after press time Tuesday.

Elgin fell to 5-15-1 overall and 2-4 in district play with the split week. The team faced Marble Falls after press time Tuesday and will return to action at home against Hendrickson Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m.

CONNALLY

Elgin took down the Cougars March 17 behind a nine-run fifth inning.

Senior Bianca Galindo led the team at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Freshman Madilyn Wildy had a breakout performance, finishing 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

Junior utility player Katelyn Anderson earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while allowing three runs and striking out five.

Galindo opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the top of the first. Elgin added two more runs later in the inning on an error to extend that lead.

Connally answered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Lady Cats quickly responded with an RBI single from Wildy and a dropped third strike that brought in another run.

Elgin continued to pull away, outscoring the Cougars 11-1 the rest of the way. Galindo added her second home run of the game in the fifth inning, a two-run shot.

Junior Jaylen Barker delivered the final blow with a bases-clearing triple to make it 17-3. Barker finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs.

EAST VIEW

The Lady Cats fell in a high-scoring contest as East View used a sixrun fifth inning to secure the win.

Senior Trinity Martinez led Elgin with two RBIs. East View’s offense surged early, building a 6-0 lead after the top of the second inning. Elgin answered in the bottom half, scoring six runs on four consecutive singles and an error to tie the game.

East View added a run in the fourth to take a one-point lead, but Elgin responded once again immediately.

The Lady Cats took their first lead of the game on an RBI single from Anderson and later drew a bases- loaded walk to make it 8-7.

The game shifted in the fifth inning when East View scored six runs to take a 13-8 lead. Elgin battled back with three additional runs across the fifth and sixth innings, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Anderson took the loss, allowing 13 runs on 13 hits while recording one strikeout.

The Bears were dominant in game one. Kody Wright and Mason Smith led the way against the Eagles and combined to go 4-for-7 at the plate with two RBIs each.

Cooper Voigt was the winning pitcher, throwing 4.1 innings and giving up three runs on three hits with six strikeouts.

Cedar Creek pitcher Isaiah Cancino took the loss, going 4.2 innings and giving up seven runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.

The Bears got on the board first with an RBI single from Smith in the top of the first. Bastrop followed that up with two more runs in the second on RBI singles from Lathan Bennett and Kody Wright to make it 3-0.

The Eagles fought back with two runs of their own on an RBI single from Brayan Rodriguez and scored on a passed third strike to cut the lead to 3-2 heading into the third.

Both teams were scoreless until the Bears opened up the game with a six-run fifth inning. Cedar Creek would score once more on an RBI single from Joseph Moreno in the fifth as the Bears closed out the game.

Game two was a much more competitive matchup as both pitching staffs were put to the test in a low-scoring battle.

Wright got the start for the Bears as he threw four scoreless innings, giving up three hits with two strikeouts.

Eagles starter Jacob Borrego also threw four scoreless innings but was finally gotten to in the fifth, where Bastrop scored all three of its runs.

The Bears broke the game open with three straight RBI singles from Voigt, Wright and Tristan St. Clair with two outs left on the inning. The points proved to be the difference in the sweep.

Francisco Arriaga came in for relief of Borrego and went three scoreless innings, giving up one hit with three strikeouts.

Bastrop improved to 7-9-2 overall and 2-0 in district, while Cedar Creek fell to 7-11 overall and 2-2 in district.

The Bears will finish up their series with Navarro at home Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. The Eagles will end their set with Anderson on the road.

Bastrop’s most recent win came in an 18-0 sweep of Navarro March 6 at Bastrop High School. Ella Gresienbeck was dominant in the circle, pitching a complete- game shutout in the run-rule shortened contest.

The sophomore allowed no runs and struck out six over three innings.

The Lady Bears wasted no time getting their offense going last week, exploding for 10 runs in the first inning.

Sophomore Rya n Stephanick highlighted the inning with a bases- clearing triple that drove in three runs. A throwing error on the play allowed a fourth runner to score, extending Bastrop’s early lead.

Andrea Mangandi and Lanie Cox also contributed during the big inning. Mangandi delivered an RBI single to bring home another run, while Cox worked a bases-loaded walk that forced in one.

Bastrop continued to apply pressure in the second, adding five more runs. The Lady Bears then capitalized on five walks and several Navarro errors to push the lead to 15-0.

The Lady Bears closed out the game in the third inning with three more runs. Kara Spurlock delivered a two-RBI single, and another run scored on a walk to secure the 18-0 victory.

With the win, Bastrop improved to 7-5-1 overall and 3-0 in district play.

The Lady Bears will look to continue their strong start when they travel to face Liberal Arts and Science Academy March 11 at 7 p.m.

Elgin’s varsity boys roster finished fourth in the district with a 4-5-3 record. The last time the Wildcats reached the playoffs was in 2014.

Head coach Eddie Lerma credited a lot of the team’s success to their grit.

“They have been resilient this year,” Lerma said. “It’s always a tough matchup every Tuesday and Friday in that district. We really had to encourage the team to find it in themselves to keep fighting, and it really took a couple of those games to make the guys believe they could do more than usual.”

The Wildcats faced a challenging start to district play, opening with a 1-4 record before tying their next three matches as their playoff hopes began to look bleak.

Facing an uphill battle, Lerma’s team found its rhythm late in the season, picking up key wins against Weiss, Georgetown and Pflugerville Connally to secure the top-four finish.

Lerma said he believes the rough early district stretch helped the Wildcats grow. Tough matchups better prepared Elgin for hard-fought wins down the stretch.

One of the biggest moments of the season came in a 2-1 Senior Night victory over Pflugerville Connally, who went on to finish first in the district.

“We went in there confident that we could get a good result, but we were surprised to be in the game as much as we were,” Lerma said. “That win was the perfect way to build momentum, make the guys believe and finish off our last home game with a win over the best team in district.”

After that match, Elgin either needed a win over East View or for Weiss to defeat Pflugerville in order to clinch a playoff spot. The Wildcats fell to the Patriots 3-2, but Weiss found a 1-0 win, securing Elgin’s postseason berth.

Lerma described the team’s reaction on the bus ride home as a “party” when they heard their season would continue.

According to the coach, one of the keys to the team’s success this season has been a veteran-led roster featuring eight seniors, along with junior Diego Ramirez, who leads the team with 15 goals.

After a bye week, the Wildcats will travel to face Rouse in a playoff warmup game Friday, March 13, at 6 p.m.

Rouse finished first in their district.

“We will play the first team in the Austin ISD district, so we are looking to see how we stack up against competition that mirrors that intensity,” Lerma said.

Elgin will either face Anderson or Liberal Arts and Science Academy with a time and date to be determined.

Every two years this happens.

The University Interscholastic League redraws classifications, districts and regions every other year. When it comes to the basketball districts, the UIL actually did a good job this time around.

Elgin, Bastrop and Cedar Creek remained in Districts 23 and 24-5A, respectively, in basketball. Six of the current 23-5A members — Elgin, Georgetown, Connally, Hendrickson, Pflugerville and Weiss — stayed in the district, with Georgetown East View moving up to 6A.

New members of 23-5A will be Leander Glenn and Manor. This will renew the Elgin-Manor rivalry.

Bastrop and Cedar Creek remain in 24-5A with schools from the Austin Independent School District. Their Austin ISD counterparts are Anderson, Crockett, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, McCallum, Navarro and the girls-only Ann Richards Academy.

In football, Elgin and Bastrop stayed together with Crockett, Navarro and LASA, who plans on playing varsity football after a two-year independent hiatus, as members of 12-5A-Division II. The district has six teams instead of eight as former members Connally and McCallum moved up to 5A-Division I and Liberty Hill moved into a different 5A-DII district.

Cedar Creek is still in a district of nine with current district mates Anderson, Lehman and Lockhart, as well as newcomers Boerne Champion, Manor, McCallum, Seguin and two-time defending state champion Smithson Valley. The other five teams in the current 12-5A-DI — A&M Consolidated, College Station, Hays, Hendrickson and Weiss — either moved into another district or moved up to 6A.

The Classes 5A-A football districts are crazy. But that’s expected when you insist on splitting each of those classifications into two divisions.

If you’re going to have 12 state champions, you need to have 12 different classifications. But I’ll save that for another time.

When it comes to regions, the UIL actually did some good things. In 4A, the Austin area schools are back in Region IV, while Houston area schools — Needville, Columbia and La Marque, to name a few — are finally in Region III.

It’s a good idea to keep schools in the same metropolitan or geographic area in the same regions. The UIL didn’t completely adhere to that practice.

In 6A and 5A, the governing body of Texas high school athletics and activities continues to put 4-6 Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area districts in Region I with schools from El Paso and West Texas, while putting the remaining schools in Region II with schools from East Texas, Central Texas or Greater Houston.

Since there are more than eight districts of DFW area schools in 6A and 5A, it would make sense to have an all-DFW area region and put the remaining DFW area schools in another region.

Region III-6A was a prime example of fixing something that isn’t broken. Instead of putting eight Houston area districts in the region, the UIL put seven districts from that area with an Austin area district.

Hutto happens to be in that district. The Hippos are in the same league with five Leander district schools and Georgetown East View, and these schools will be paired with ones from Cypress, Richmond, Rosenberg and Waller in the first round of the playoffs.

If the track and field, tennis, cross country and golf districts and regions are the same, Hutto athletes will travel to the Houston area instead of Austin or San Antonio to compete for the right to go to state. To add insult to injury, the other two Austin area 6A districts are in Region IV — 25 and 26-6A.

It would make more sense in 6A to have an all-DFW region, an all-Houston region, and a region with the ninth DFW area district, the three Austin areas, Central Texas and the three remaining Houston area districts. The fourth region can be a piecemeal of the El Paso, West Texas, four San Antonio/ Laredo area and two Rio Grande Valley districts.

In 5A, putting the six Houston area districts in the same region with the two Austin areas wasn’t the worst move in the world. Neither was putting the three San Antonio area districts in the same region with the three RGV and the Laredo and Corpus Christi areas.

Splitting DFW was the problem. It would’ve made more sense to have Region II be all-DFW area; Region I could be a combination of the two El Paso, two West Texas, two Austin area and two remaining DFW area districts; Region III would be six Houston area, East Texas and Central Texas; and Region IV as is.

It’s like building a puzzle. You build regions based on metropolitan or geographic areas and you piecemeal the rest of the classification accordingly.

This way, you can have the right districts and the right regions.

Chlapek is the Area Editor of the Elgin Courier and Taylor Press. He can be reached at jason.chlapek@granitemediapartners.com.

The Bears closed out the year Feb. 24 with a 58-42 loss to the Pflugerville Panthers in the bi-district round of the playoffs at Manor High School. Despite predictions to finish last in the district, Bastrop Head Coach Daniel Hobbs said he wasn’t surprised by the program’s accomplishments and podium finish.

“I don’t think the expectations other than mine were all that high,” he said. “This was the first taste that any of these kids had of playoff basketball, so just getting there was a big step.”

Generating offensive threats proved to be difficult in the team’s final contest of the season. Bastrop fell behind early and was unable to recover.

The Bears failed to place a player in double figures.

Sophomore point guard Jamarion Aldridge Hopes led the team with nine points but struggled from the field, finishing 2 for 13. Senior forward Brent Carter also scored nine on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting effort, adding key baskets in the second half.

The Panthers opened the game on a strong run, building a 13-4 lead after a layup by Hopes accounted for the Bears’ early scoring. By the end of the first quarter, Bastrop trailed 19-8, with junior forwards Caleb Burns and Drake Hensley adding second-chance layups.

The duo combined for five points in the period.

Attacking issues continued into the second quarter as Pflugerville extended its advantage. Bastrop trailed 32-15 midway through the third before Hopes converted an and-one layup to trim the deficit to 3218.

Carter provided a spark with a putback layup and midrange jumper to keep the margin within 14. However, the Panthers responded with another run, pushing the lead to 42-22 and eventually 58-35 late in the fourth quarter.

Bastrop was outrebounded 29-22 and committed 23 turnovers, which proved costly.

The Bears shot 41% from the field compared to Pflugerville’s 45%, but the turnover margin and rebounding deficit limited their ability to mount a comeback.

Despite the lopsided score late in the game, the Bears battled to the final buzzer. Junior shooting guard Brayden Garza scored five quick points in the closing minutes as Bastrop’s season came to a close.

The playoff berth signals progress for a program that had not reached the postseason in more than a decade.

Bastrop will return nine players from this year’s roster and look to push its ceiling after a successful run.

VS. TAYLOR

Elgin’s comeback effort fell just short in a high-scoring contest against the Ducks Feb. 17.

The Lady Cats scored seven runs over the final two innings after trailing 9-3 into the sixth.

Senior Trinity Martinez and junior Jaelyn Barker each drove in three runs, combining to go 5-for-8 at the plate.

Junior utility player Katelyn Anderson got the start for the Wildcats and was sharp early, holding the Ducks scoreless through the first three innings. Elgin grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the second inning when Barker delivered a bases- clearing triple.

Taylor broke through in the bottom of the fourth with a six-run inning. Anderson finished her outing allowing six runs on five hits. Sophomore utility player Sarah Herring came on in relief.

Martinez answered in the fifth with a solo home run to trim the deficit to 6-3. The Ducks responded with three runs in the bottom half of the inning on a bases- clearing triple and a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 9-3.

Elgin mounted a furious rally in the sixth, scoring five runs. A two-RBI single from freshman Elizabeth Anderson cut the deficit to 9-5. Herring followed with an RBI single, and Martinez added a two-RBI double to pull the Lady Cats within one run.

Taylor, however, responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to push the lead to 12-8.

Elgin added two more runs in the seventh on a solo home run by Bianca Galindo and an RBI single from Barker, but the team couldn’t find their final two points needed.

VS. MUMFORD

The Lady Cats were swept by Mumford in their doubleheader Feb. 20, with both games decided by a single run.

In the first test, Elgin once again attempted a late rally, scoring two runs in the final inning, but Mumford held on for the win. The second game unfolded in dramatic fashion. Mumford scored on a sacrifice bunt in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead, but Elgin answered when Anderson scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Mumford regained the lead on an RBI single and later extended it to 3-1 with another RBI single in the fourth inning.

Elgin surged ahead in the sixth, scoring two runs on an error before taking a 4-3 lead on a bases-loaded walk. However, the Wildcats could not hold the advantage.

Mumford scored twice in the bottom of the final inning to secure a walkoff victory.

Herring took the loss, throwing 5.2 innings and allowing five runs on nine hits. Martinez accounted for Elgin’s lone RBI in the contest.

The Lady Cats fell to 2-7 on the season. Elgin faced Navarro after press time Tuesday and will compete in the Heart of Hays tournament this weekend.

Smithville struggled offensively throughout the night, finishing 17% from the field and 44% from the free-throw line Feb. 17. A cold start proved costly as the Lady Tigers were held scoreless in the first quarter and trailed 10-0 after one.

Senior Sydnie Brenner led all scorers with 12 points, knocking down two 3-pointers. Junior Brityn Roberts added seven points. Brenner put Smithville on the board with a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter, and Roberts followed with a basket and free throw to trim the deficit to 13-6.

After a Roberts steal and a Brenner free throw, senior Briyanna Sampson converted an and-one opportunity to pull the Lady Tigers within three at 1310. However, Freeman answered with a late basket to take a 15-10 lead into halftime.

Smithville found more rhythm in the third quarter as Roberts and Brenner helped spark the offense, and the Lady Tigers’ defense limited the Golden Eagles to nine points in the period.

Freeman maintained a 24-19 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Tigers continued to battle down the stretch but could not overcome missed opportunities at the free-throw line, where they went 2-of-7 in the fourth quarter while Freeman converted 7-of-10 attempts to seal the win.

Smithville closed the season with a 15-17 overall record and a 6-4 mark in district play, earning its second consecutive playoff appearance.

The Lady Tigers will graduate six seniors and look toward their returning core of players to continue the success of the previous class.

Photo courtesy Erin Anderson

The Lady Wildcats opened their softball season with a thrilling 9-8 victory over Canyon Lake Feb. 10, using a four-run fourth inning to seize momentum and hold off a late rally.

Juniors Jaelyn Baker and Miranda Herring powered the offense, combining for four RBIs.

Junior pitcher Katelyn Anderson earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing eight runs on 10 hits. She struck out 10 batters and worked out of multiple jams to preserve the one-run lead.

Elgin then traveled to College Station to compete in the National Fast pitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic, finishing 1-4 in a series of tightly contested matchups.

The Lady Cats dropped back-to-back 8-7 decisions to Plano and Alamo Heights before earning their lone tournament win with an 8-3 tally over Bryan Rudder.

Elgin closed out tournament play with another narrow 8-7 loss to Pasadena Memorial and a 20-8 setback against Caldwell.

Despite the record, Elgin showed offensive consistency throughout the weekend, scoring at least seven runs in four of its five games.

The Lady Cats faced Taylor after press time Tuesday and will travel to Mumford Feb. 20, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

BASTROP

The Lady Bears opened the year against a tough opponent Feb. 10, falling 13-2 to Westlake before responding with a strong showing at the Killeen Invitational.

The Lady Bears began tournament play with an 8-4 win over Taylor.

Ella Greisenbeck and Karla Spurlock combined for four RBIs to lead the offense. Greisenbeck also picked up the win in the circle, throwing two innings while allowing four runs on two hits and striking out one.

Bastrop carried that momentum into dominant wins over Bruceville-Eddy, 10-2, and Chaparral, 11-2.

The Lady Bears advanced to the tournament final before falling 8-6 to Brownwood in a competitive championship matchup.

Bastrop faced Wimberley on Tuesday and will return to action this weekend at the Marble Falls Tournament.

SMITHVILLE

The Lady Tigers opened the season with a 12-2 loss to Hendrickson before heading to the Columbus Tournament.

Smithville dropped its first three games — 9-1 to Columbia, 3-1 to Columbus and 5-2 to El Campo — but closed the tournament on a high note with a commanding 12-0 win over Almeta.

Emery Baker and Kenzley White sparked the offense, combining for four RBIs. Addison Otto earned the victory in the circle, tossing three scoreless innings and recording five strikeouts.

Smithville faced Westlake on Tuesday and will return to action against Gateway at 7 p.m. in Georgetown.

CEDAR CREEK

The Lady Eagles opened their season with a 24-4 loss to Cameron. Alexyss Gonzales led Cedar Creek at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Cedar Creek continued play at the Lady Texans Showcase in Wimberley but struggled against a challenging field. The Lady Eagles fell to Wimberley, 18-0, Pleasanton, 12-2, and Hendrickson, 10-0.

Cedar Creek will look to regroup this weekend when it competes in the Cameron Tournament.

Photo courtesy Elgin ISD