
Originally Appeared on VYPE
When the names Ally Batenhorst and Morgan Janda are thrown around in conversation, it usually pertains to volleyball.
The duo helped get Seven Lakes to the UIL State Volleyball Tournament two years ago and this past season made another deep run in the playoffs. But this spring, the pair is showing off their hops on the track.
Batenhorst and Janda both have qualified for the regional track meet after finishing third and second, respectively, on Thursday in the event.
"I started high jumping in seventh grade and I was not very good because I was really short," Janda said. "Once I got into high school I grew some more and got better at it.
"Track is definitely way different than volleyball, because it's individual. Volleyball is all team all the time."
Janda is signed to Sam Houston State for volleyball but will also be high jumping there as well.
"That's one of the main school's I've been talking to since the eighth grade," Janda said. "Then they found out I could high jump too and they said they'd let me."
For Batenhorst, high jumping has been a part of her routine ever since getting into high school.
The highly touted volleyball recruit – already verbally committed to Nebraska – sees the advantages to doing this in the offseason of her high school season.
The Story continues here
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.
Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.
Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.
All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.
Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.
With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs
Astros lineup for the finale
What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.
___________________________
ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!