Story & Photos By Erik Williams
In the pantheon of sports, the phrase “coming close” is overused and, often times, neglects to tell the entire story of the team and players involved. So, when applied to the University of Houston softball team, “coming close” doesn’t really tell the whole story. Granted, the team finished two wins short of making it to the Women’s College World Series, but the team’s season was one of immeasurable success, broken records, countless runs and the affirmation that the program deserves to be amongst the big players in college softball. So, while they “came close”, their journey since February was definitely a memorable one.
The team closed the regular season strong and won the Conference USA regular season title, yet in the conference tournament, hosted by the Cougars, they fell in the title game to Central Florida, 4-2, a loss that galvanized the Cougars despite the heartbreaking result of seeing a team celebrate on their field. However, despite the loss, UH still finished the regular season #8 in the country, garnering a regional selection for the NCAA Softball tournament. And the Cougars won all three of their games in the regional round, capped off by a dramatic 2-1 win over the University of Washington, propelling them into the NCAA Super Regional Round for the first time in program history. In the regional final, the Cougars got an unexpected lift from second baseman Haley Valis. Valis, known more for her defense and intensity, hit a solo home run to put the Cougars ahead and set the tone for the game, a tone that rang celebratory for Houston. For a team that had serious self-doubts in themselves only a week after the UCF defeat, the win over Washington proved affirmation for a team that had been all across the gamut of emotions and results. “I just knew we weren’t done,” Valis said. “We know how good we are. I wake up every day, and I don’t feel like it’s our last day to play softball. Not yet.”
Advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time ever was big for the team, but in order to get to the CWS, Houston still needed to defeat the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette, a team the split a doubleheader with in late April. Even though UH hosted the Super Regional series, it didn’t start well as they lost the opener of the best-of-three series, 6-4. Yet, with ace Angel Shambin on the mound, they did win the middle game of the series, 6-4. However, Louisiana-Lafayette defeated the Cougars in the finale, 4-0, to advance to the College World Series and keep Houston one win short of their ultimate goal. It was a tough way for the Cougars’ season to end, and with the loss, comes the task of replacing four departing seniors, including Shamblin, their ace pitcher. “I just don’t think you can replace kids like her,” said Houston coach Kyla Holas. “Very few people come through your program that can do what she’s done. She’s been amazing.” And, even with her collegiate career at an end, Shamblin was reflective and complimentary of those around her. “It’s a great team, and I enjoyed every moment of it,” Shamblin said. “The girls are great, they worked and fought hard every inning and every day this year, and it was great to be a part of it.”
Even though they came close, the Cougars still set school records for most wins for a season with 54, most for ANY Cougar sports program, and individual single season records for pitcher Angel Shamblin (most wins with 36 and ERA with 0.97) and outfielder Laurie Wagner (most home runs with 19). Also, the team featured three NFCA All-Americans in Shamblin, Wagner and shortstop Jessica Valis. Yet, this team will be remembered for their cohesion and dedication on the field, traits that elevated the program to the national spotlight and established them as a true force for years to come. “They have left me speechless this year,” Holas said. “I just really don’t have words for how surreal it has been. That doesn’t happen. I almost always have words.”
