Key pieces: How Calallen softball's depth has proved pivotal in another playoff run
It takes more than just big names to win a state championship.
Superstars can be a big ingredient, but it takes an entire roster pulling in the same direction and contributions from everywhere to be the last team standing, which Calallen showed in 2023.
The Wildcats will be tested this week when they face Needville on Thursday in Cuero in a one-game Class 4A regional final with a return trip to the UIL State Tournament on the line.
The depth of the Calallen softball team paid off last year as Makenzie Mounts was named MVP of the Class 4A state tournament, providing a go-ahead two-run double in the fourth inning in a 9-7 win against state powerhouse Liberty in the championship game.
Mounts and Mia Flores, a defensive standout from last year's state tournament, are two of the five seniors on the team, including Megan Geyer, Alaunah Almaraz and Rilyn Gamez, a group with extensive playoff experience.
While the team's power hitters, defensive leaders and impressive pitching can stand out when looking at the Wildcats roster, the team's cohesiveness and ability for every player on the roster to step in and contribute when needed is part of why Calallen has been one of the best Class 4A programs in Texas this decade.
"We have a good five girls at or close to batting .500 — that is amazing," coach Teresa Lentz said. "And if they aren't at .500 they are batting .400. That helps Jordyn (Thibodeaux) to pitch without pressure. Even when one player doesn't play their best, they know someone else will step up and get it done. The girls trust in each other, believe in each other and work hard in practice.
"They have confidence that no matter who they are, where they are in the lineup, or even coming off the bench, that they can get it done when we need it."
More: Now healthy, Calallen softball's Brookelynn Meador looking to contribute to another playoff run
Mounts, the team's second baseman, said the playoff experience helps the Wildcats know what to expect.
"We know what to expect," Mounts said. "We know we are going to have to play one game to get to the round of four and a state championship. This week we are trying to get our reps and get ready.
"It makes me feel confident and I know that my team will back me up. Our whole lineup is deadly, in my opinion. Each of us can hit and contribute and do anything to help the team win."
Flores' speed on the base paths and in the outfield contributes to the cause, including her memorable grab with the bases loaded in the state title game win against Liberty, helping her earn all-tournament accolades.
The senior said the team's experience is shown in the way they can communicate on the field.
"We are very comfortable with each other because we have been in so many different positions in games," Flores said. "Communication helps. We know that everyone is there to back us up and we will all be there for each other."
Flores said the players remind themselves the need to be locked in from the first inning in one-game situations, which Calallen has faced often.
This year, the Wildcats toppled Ingleside in a one-game playoff and last season, Calallen survived Boerne in the regional final in one game. And once teams reach the state tournament, all the games are that format.
"We have such a good lineup," Flores said. "Everyone can hit and we can put the ball in play. It helps knowing that everyone can step up. Everyone has bad games and everyone has good games, but it feels like, no matter what, someone always steps up."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Calallen's depth pivotal as Wildcats aim for return to UIL State
