It's been a banner year for Lady 'Cats sports with volleyball, soccer, golf and tennis (coed) all winning District 9-5A titles. After an 11-0 win over Richardson High School last night, you can now add softball to the list.

For head coach Kelly Baker and company, the 2011 softball season has been a real gem. At 20-1 on the season (11-1 in district) the Lady 'Cats are ready for what should be a memorable playoff run.

Leading the way for LH this season is junior phenom Erin Brennan who continued to shine last night against Richardson, throwing a three hit shut-out, which brings her shut-out total to nine on the season. While Brennan shines as a pitcher, she is equally impressive in the batters box and currently leads the DFW Area in hitting with an astounding .661 batting average.

Last night against Richardson, Brennan scored the first Lady 'Cat run of the game in the top of the first inning.

With a 1-0 lead, she was able to get out of a couple early jams, with the Eagles biggest threat coming in the bottom of the third. With two outs and two runners on base, Brennan struck out the Eagles last batter of the inning to keep her shut-out alive.

The Lady 'Cats ace pitcher had eight K's against Richardson.

Coach Baker's squad blew the game wide open in the top of the fourth inning with six runs on seven hits. Other stand-out players for the Lady 'Cats in the battle against RHS were Destiny Rojas, Cynthia Ibarra and Hilary Nwunoma, who each had two RBI's. Bridget O'Brien had a triple (and nearly an in the park home run) with Nwunoma adding a double to her stat line, as well.

The win over Richardson last night not only gives the Lady 'Cats the District 9-5A title outright, but it was also a milestone for Coach Baker who picked up her 100th win and now can claim Lake Highlands as a three-peat district champion.

"I am very proud of the girls," Baker said after last night's win.

"They have all worked hard and are finally starting a tradition at Lake Highlands. I think last night’s hitting is what we needed to boost us up for playoffs. Our bats finally came alive."

Like any good coach does, finding that little extra spark for the playoffs is a must. For Coach Baker, the color pink came to mind.

"I have given them a great incentive – if we win and advance in the playoffs, I will color my hair pink. So that should be interesting."

The girls will play Sachse in the bi-district round of the playoffs with a single game or three game series possible. The date, location and format of the bi-district match-up will likely be determined next Monday or Tuesday with the game(s) being played next Friday and/or Saturday.

Watch the LHT Sports Calendar for details. We'll keep you posted.

Congratulations to Coach Baker and the Lady 'Cats and best of luck in the playoffs!

GO 'CATS!