HEWITT, TX — Facing the defending Class 6A state champions on their home turf is one of the toughest asks in Texas high school softball. On Tuesday night, the Temple Tem-Cats learned exactly why the Midway Panthers wear the crown, falling 11-1 in a road contest that saw the home team improve to a perfect 3-0 in District 12-6A.
While Temple showed flashes of grit early, they struggled to contain a potent Midway offense that combined elite patience at the plate with aggressive base running.
Tem-Cats Answer Early
The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues that allowed three runs to cross the plate. However, Temple showed signs of life in the top of the second.
Brenna Thomas reached base after being hit by a pitch and was replaced by courtesy runner Maddie Garza. Garza quickly moved to third base following a sharp single by Saniya Maxwell—the Tem-Cats' lone hit of the evening. Glory Foreman then stepped up, driving an RBI groundout to first base to bring Garza home and cut the Midway lead to 3-1.
Thomas Battles in the Circle
Temple starter Brenna Thomas took the ball against a disciplined Midway lineup that forced her into several deep counts. Thomas surrendered eight hits and eight runs (four earned) over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking six.
Despite the final score, Thomas and the Temple defense showed resilience, including a timely double play to escape a Midway threat.
Panther Precision
Midway’s Kallei Alvarado proved to be the catalyst for the Panthers. In the third inning, Alvarado punctuated a gritty six-pitch at-bat with an RBI single to center field. She finished the day 2-for-4 with a team-high 3 RBIs. Meanwhile, Midway’s Peyton Philipp was dominant in the circle, tossing a one-hitter over six innings with 12 strikeouts.
Game Leaders:
Saniya Maxwell (TEM): 1-for-1.
Glory Foreman (TEM): 1 RBI.
Maddie Garza (TEM): 1 run scored.
Looking Ahead
The loss moves Temple to 1-1 in district play. The Tem-Cats will look to bounce back and defend their home dirt this Friday, March 13, when they host Killeen High. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
