Katy Softball Shuts Out PSJA 2-0 to Reach State Finals

Winning 18 of 19 games doesn't happen by accident, and Katy's softball team made a strong case for why that record is no fluke in a 2-0 state semifinal victory over PSJA.

The Tigers got on the board early when E.K. Smith drove a pitch over the right-field wall in the first inning, staking Katy to a 1-0 lead before PSJA could settle in. Lexie Waugh added to the cushion in the third, hammering a pitch to center to push the advantage to 2-0.

That was all Haley Schmidt needed. The pitcher was locked in from the start, recording strikeouts and keeping PSJA's lineup off-balance throughout. When the Eagles threatened in the fifth — loading up a bunt situation — Schmidt fielded the ball cleanly and fired to first to complete a double play and end the inning.

Schmidt finished what she started, closing out the game with a strikeout to preserve the shutout. Katy wins 2-0 and advances to the state championship.