Coach Jorgensen continuously preaches that “Defense Wins Championships” and that was displayed by The Woodlands in their 2-1 victory over Belton.  Being the visitor allowed the Highlanders the opportunity to score first and they capitalized when Abby Langkamp singled up the middle to score Alayis Seneca.  That’s when Abby and the defense settled in and took over.  After a one-two-three first that included a strikeout, the lead-off batter in the second inning hit a ball down the right field line that got away and allowed her to reach third for a triple.  The defense ended the threat with a pop-up, and ground ball in the infield and a strikeout to leave the runner stranded.  The bottom of the third saw the Tigers load the bases with no outs after a hit and a couple of well placed bunts.  Abby struck out the second batter in the line-up and then fielded a short pop-up in front of the circle and fired a strike to third to complete the double-play and get out of the inning unscathed.  The Highlanders intentionally walked the fourth batter in the line-up to start off the fourth.  Then Abby induced two pop-ups to Kaitlyn Stavinoha who turned the last one into a double-play as she fired to first after the runner had taken off on a hit-and-run.  The Highlanders scored another run in the fifth when Kerry Martinez scored on a single up the middle by Aubrey Leach.  With one out and a runner on second, Emily Langkamp, came in to pitch and struck out the first batter she faced with a nasty change-up.  The next batter was able to score the runner from second after the right fielder slipped on the turf that allowed a double.  With another runner at second, Emily got a pop-up to herself to end the inning.  The sixth inning saw the Tigers get another runner in scoring position with two outs before Emily ended the threat with another strikeout.  In the bottom of the seventh, the first batter walked and was sacrificed to second with a bunt back to Emily who threw to Becca Bortsmayer covering first to record the first out.  The next batter hit a ground ball back to Emily who again recorded the out at first but moved the runner to third.  The lead-off batter then popped up a ball behind the plate that Kelcy Leach tracked down and secured to end the game and send the Highlanders to the Regional Finals for the fifth year-in-a-row.  The Langkamps pitched a great game with Emily recording the win this time with two strikeouts.  Abby got a no-decision but recorded three strikeouts and worked out of some tough sports in her four innings to help send the Highlanders to the next round.  Shelby Dublin led the way at the plate going 2 for 3 while fellow seniors Abby and Aubrey had the RBIs.  Based on the history between the two programs, the Highlanders knew that this would be a tough, tight, hard-fought series and it lived up to all of the billing with two one-run ballgames.  Because of the weather forecast, it’s back to Mumford again next week to take on Lake Travis for the opportunity to return to Austin and the state tournament.  The Highlanders will play Friday night at 5:00 and be the visitors on the first base side and then come back again on Saturday at 5:00 and be the home team on the third base side.  If needed, Game 3 will follow Game 2 on Saturday.  So, wash your red and green, gas up the car, leave work a little early on Friday and head back to Mumford and be loud as you cheer on the girls in their quest for that State Title.  Here we go!  Here we go!  Braveheart!