After a heartbreaking loss in last year’s 2A state championship game, the Thorndale softball team planned to finish what they started in 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more heartbreak occurred as the UIL decided to end all spring sports. When the season was canceled, they had secured an overall record of 12-4 and 3-0 in district.
Head Coach Lance Betak said he wanted to praise all of his seniors for their effort and thank them for the examples they set for the rest of the team.
“If your seniors are solid, the younger players will follow,” Betak said. “It’s going to be hard to replace what they have done.”
Betak says his team had great chemistry. He said he hopes to get back to the state championship next year, but it’s going to be a tall task losing almost half of his team.
Betak said this about the seniors on the team:
Rainey Buchanan—“Rainey came out this year to play for us as a designate d p l a y e r,” Betak said. “ S h e w a s very much a team player and did anything we needed her to.”
Buchanan plans to attend Texas State University and major in nursing.
“I would just tell everyone to enjoy their time because it really goes by fast,” Buchanan said. “My favorite memory is making the sausage stick and Coach Betak looking at us like we’re all stupid.”
Kate Casey—“Kate came to the team last season. S h e p l a y e d a few games for us but got injured early in the season. She’s the ultimate team player and has great knowledge of the game,” Betak said.
Casey has committed to playing softball for Texas A&M Kingsville where she will play catcher.
Casey said, “Make the most out of every moment that you’re blessed with. There will always be tomorrow, and it’ll come faster than you think. “
Alyson Jost—“Jost was a no nonsense, just step in and hit the ball type of player. She also played outfield for us. Unfortunately, she missed most of the season due to injury. She played in the first tournament for us.”
Jost will attend Blinn College for criminal justice and then plans to transfer to Texas A&M for forensic science. Her advice for the underclassman is: “Never turn back, always keep going forward. Because if you turn back, you’re just making it further for you to achieve your goals.”
Landri Leschber— “ T h i s was Landri’s first year playing softball for us after not playing in six years,” Betak said. “We lost t w o - t h i r d s of our out field last year and she filled in nicely for us. She’s very athletic and she’ll be playing volleyball at Henderson State University this fall.”
Leschber said she cherishes the memories she made despite the short season.
“I was excited to play softball my senior year, let alone with an amazing team like this one,” Leschber said. “Everyone is truly supportive of each other and we have the best fans there are.”
Jayci Martinka—“Jayci was a four-year starter for us at short-stop,” Betak said. “She was an outstanding athlete and I never had to worry about her play on the field. Her teammates said she was the funniest player on the team.”
Martinka plans to attend Texas Tech University and go into the healthcare field. Her advice for underclassman teammates: “Live in the moment. You’re here for a good time not a long time.”
Riley White—“Riley never said a whole lot, she just led by example. She was a hard worker. I live close to her and I could always hear her hitting balls.”
White will be playing for the Abilene Christian University Wildcats next year. She shared advice for the younger players.
“Spend time with family and friends,” White said. “Apply yourself in school. Make tons of memories and play every game like it’s your last.”
Rockdale spring sports athletes and seniors will be honored in the upcoming graduation special section.
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