The softball team will play its final district game against Lewisville on April 22 at 7:15 p.m and can clinch the school’s first district championship with a win. 

This season is Chelsea Herndon’s first year as head coach, and the team has found success as first in the district. Coppell is second and Lewisville is third in the district.

“I went into [the season] with the approach of what I would want as a player from the head coach,” Herndon said. “I had to learn [how] every player is different and every player has to be coached differently. I just want to win, and I want to do whatever it takes to win. I want the girls to be mentally strong enough to have that same approach. So I was hard on them and I have a standard, and I make sure that they meet that standard.”

Hebron is on a nine-game win streak in district since their game against Marcus on March 22.

“I think the season has been pretty good,” first baseman Alyssa Sneed said. “In the beginning, we struggled a little bit, but once we found the right defense it really helped us progress. We’ve had around [nine wins] in a row, which has really helped us become better and want to win even more.”

Herndon and assistant coach Deja Talton, both former Hebron softball players, are excited about having an opportunity to make school history. This will be the very first time Hebron could win a district championship in softball.

“This is not only exciting for Deja and I, but for our girls who have worked really hard this season,” Herndon said. “I’m proud of them and obviously want to finish out the season No. 1 because it makes the road easier in the playoffs. Winning [district] would be a history-making moment for Hebron, and it sets us up in a good position for playoffs.”

Softball started the season struggling with a four-loss streak, but quickly picked themselves up, only losing one more game in non-district play. The team then proceeded to win every non-district game they had. Senior shortstop Ashley Vaccaro said over the course of the season, the team learned how to play together and what works best for them. With Lewisville being a top three team in district, Vacarro said the team will present a challenge.

“[Lewisville] has always been tough competition, and especially this year they’ve been doing really well,” Vaccaro said. “[Last time we played them] we knew we had to bring our ‘A’ game, and it was a hard game but we came out with a win. They definitely put a lot of pressure on our defense, but we hold strong and work on our defense to win.”

Before thinking about anything to do after the season ends, Herndon said she’s focusing on the season and finishing it out. 

“I went into the season with no expectations, and just taking it day by day,” Herndon said. “This season has gone way better than I expected it to go. I’m really proud of my seniors that have stepped up into the role that they play this year and everybody has really embraced their role.”