HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
Kilgore’s Samantha
Rodriguez in all-star game
Kilgore senior Samantha Rodriguez has been selected to play this weekend in the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO) All-Star Game in San Antonio, one of a very few East Texans chosen for this year’s game.
Sam will represent KHS and the Lady Bulldogs in the Region II game against Region I at 1:30 p.m. at the Blossom Athletic Center at 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road in San Antonio, and of course, there are both boys and girls games.
Rodriguez was a key member of coach Todd BonDurant’s Lady Bulldogs, who made it back to the regional tournament in Tyler, one step and two wins shy of the UIL’s Class 4A state tournament in Georgetown.
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
West Rusk’s season ends
in second round of playoffs
The West Rusk High School softball season is somewhat shockingly over, as the Lady Raiders were upset in round two by Mount Vernon, losing a pair of games over the weekend in Grand Saline, 14-0 and then 7-0.
The Lady Raiders finish out the 2023 campaign with a 23-2 record – they were unbeaten going into the best-of-three-game series against Mount Vernon.
In game one, somehow Mount Vernon held West Rusk to just three hits (by Macie Blizzard, Natalie Christy and Lily Waddell). On the other end, Olivia Baird had a triple a single and 2 RBI for Mount Vernon, and Ashtyn Redar had a single and 3 RBI.
Christy allowed three walks and struck out two in 3 2/3 innings, and Waddell had five walks and struck out one in a third of an inning. Alexa Taylor got the win for Mount Vernon, very impressive with 14 strikeouts and allowing just the three hits.
In the 7-0 game two win, Waddell had three hits, and Blizzard and Piper Morton each had one. Laddell had five strikeouts and walked five in a complete-game performance on the mound.
GOLF
Chamber’s Spring Swing tourney June 2
The annual Spring Swing Tournament, hosted by the Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce, will be Friday, June 2, also at Tempest Golf Club.
It’s a four-person scramble, and a great way to connect with other Kilgore-area business-owners. Entry fees for a team is $500, for chamber members, $600 for non-members.
Registration and a bloody Mary and brunch bar are set for 9:30 a.m., with an 11 a.m. tournament start.
The tournament’s title sponsor is Patterson Kilgore Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the premier sponsor Republic Services. There are several opportunities for sponsorships, all still currently available, for now.
Here’s a direct link for everything, including entry for chamber and non-chamber members, sponsorships and more: https://www.kilgorechamber.com/eventscalendar/#id=311&wid=801&cid=1366
For more on the tournament or to sponsor, call the chamber office at (903) 984-5022, or e-mail Lisa Morgan at lmorgan@kilgorechamber.com.
East Texas API scholarship
tourney at Tempest June 16
The annual American Petroleum Institute’s East Texas Chapter will host its annual fundraising golf tournament on Friday, June 16, at Tempest Golf Club, the 54th annual tournament.
The purpose of the event each year is to fund scholarships for sons and daughters, or grandchildren, of people in the oil and gas industry.
It’s a four-man scramble, 18-hole format, limited to 72 teams in two 36-hole sessions (Friday morning and Friday afternoon), with time preferences assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Food, drawings, awards and contests will be a part of the event, and drink carts will be provided throughout the day. Sponsorships are still available, as well. Entry fee is $1,000 per team.
For more information about entry or sponsorships, go to easttexasapi.com. Pictured above: the tournament committee, as they concluded plans for this year’s event.
Ark-La-Tex registration
open; Kilgore’s Meadowbrook on tour
Registration is now open for this summer’s Ark-La-Tex Junior Golf Tour.
The tour will play 11 events, including the Tournament of Champions to end the season.
Stops are set for Monday, June 5 at Alpine Golf Club in Longview (Adult/Youth), Monday, June 12 at Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center in Kilgore, Thursday, June 15 at Texarkana Country Club, Monday, June 19 at Northridge Country Club in Texarkana, Monday, June 26 at Wood Hollow Golf Course in Longview, Thursday, July 6 at the Tempest in Liberty City (Adult/Youth), Monday, July 10 at Alpine Golf Club in Longview, Monday, July 17 at Oak Grove Golf Club in New Boston, Monday, July 24 at Wood Hollow Golf Course in Longview (Adult/Youth), Monday, July 31 at Crossing Creek in Longview and Monday, Aug. 7 at Pinecrest Country Club in Longview (Tournament of Champions).
Events other than the July 6 stop at The Tempest begin at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. That tournament will begin at 1:30 p.m.
For information: (903) 753-1415 or https://form.jotform.com/230227943861155
— By sports editor Mitch Lucas
