ANSON — A year ago, the Anson softball team had suddenly cratered. 

The Lady Tigers had started 2023 with a respectable 12-7 record but collapsed with an 0-8 tally through district. This included blowout losses to powerhouse Stamford (19-7 and 36-2), to Haskell (7-3 and 16-0) and to Hamlin (20-2 and 22-3). Thoughts of postseason play were put on the backburner as the Lady Tigers closed at 12-15.

But what a difference a year and some effective pitching can make. An influx of young talent, including the addition of freshman pitcher Kayme Elrod, has resulted in a completely different outcome.

Not only have the Lady Tigers reached the playoffs in 2024, but they’re still alive — advancing to the Region I-2A quarterfinals. There, they will square off will area rival Stamford in a best-of-three series, set to begin at 3 p.m. Thursday at Abilene Christian University.