The Albany Lions overcame one rough inning to sweep their Class 2A area baseball playoff series against Eldorado last week, sending the Lions to the third round for the ninth season in a row. Albany (19-2) will take on District 8-2A rival Hawley in the regional quarterfinals at McMurry’sWaltDriggersField, which is hosting another series this weekend.

Albany entries dominated the Region II-2Atennis tournament last week, winning four of five draws to qualify for state. The Class 2A state tournament will be played Thursday-Friday, May 16-17 at Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio.

♦ Arecap ofAlbany High’s athletic success during the 2023-2024 school year was given at the annual Athletic Banquet on Monday, including the announcement of several special memorial awards. Coaches for each sport also recognized their teams, along with handing out various sport-specific awards.

TheAlbanyIndependent School District is offering physicalexamsforstudents planning to participate in junior high and high school activities during the 202425 school year. Athletic director Ryder Peacock said exams will start at 4:00 p.m.

Red Thunder Softball team’s 8U tournament begins Friday, May 17 continuing through Saturday. A schedule will be posted on Facebook, according to Ragan Riley, organizer.

Just four openings remain for the three-person scramble to benefit Project Christmas scheduled for Saturday-Sunday,May1819 at Albany Golf Course. All available spots are inthemorninggroup,organizer Reggy Spencer said.

Four members of the Albany Lady Lions softball team were recognized for their performances this spring with inclusion on the All-District 8-2A team selected by vote of district coaches. Senior Robin Lucas was selected as a firstteam infielder with senior Braylyn Abbate named to the second team infield.

Albany Little League will conclude its regular seasonFriday,May17with two final makeup games allowing all teams to play a full schedule. The Reds have clinched the Majors championship, taking an 11-0 record into their game against the Eagles.

Albany athletes had an upand-down day Friday, May 3 at the Class 2A state track meet, but the ups were way up. Seniors Adam Hill (300 hurdles) and Kiana Roberson (discus) both won gold medals, while Hill also got silver in the shot put, and Luke Marshall (pole vault) just missed adding a track medal to the golf bronze he earned earlier in the week.

Eldorado in area series The Albany Lions took a successful first step in the Class 2A baseball playoffs last week, sweeping Coleman in a bi-district series. The 10th-ranked Lions (172) carry a nine-game winning streak into the area round against District 5-2A champion Eldorado, which had bye through the first round.