By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions baseball team tuned up for the playoffs with a 13-3 senior night victory over Hawley in five innings on Tuesday, April 26 at home.Before the game, seniors Luke Ivy and Cooper Fairchild were honored in a senior night ceremony.

By Sam WallerFive Albany track and field athletes earned the right to compete for a state championship at last week’s Region II-2A meet.Albany has had a state qualifier every year since at least 1985, which is as far back as UIL archives go.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High tennis team got its first taste of outside competition Wednesday, April 20, with more than 30 players competing against opponents from Winters at the Albany courts.“The junior high tennis season is very short,” coach M.J. Reneau said.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs qualified four athletes in eight events to regional competition at last week’s area meet.The area meet, held Wednesday, April 20 at May, matched athletes from Moran’s District 13-1A against those from District 14-1A.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions split a pair of games last week in the final full week of the regular season.On Tuesday, April 19, the Lions fell 10-4 to third-ranked Anson in a game that decided the top two spots in District 8-2A.

By Sam WallerSarah Cotter returned to the girls singles final at the Class 2A state tennis tournament this week, dropping just five games in a trio of straight-set victories to claim the gold medal.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions split their final two District 8-2A softball games last week and start the playoffs this week.Albany defeated Gorman 7-0 on Tuesday, April 19 on senior night at Webb Park before falling 7-5 on Friday, April 22 at Cisco.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions and Lady Lions make their bid for a berth at the state track meet this weekend at the Regional II-2A meet at Porcupine Stadium in Springtown.Albany has 10 boys and six girls qualified in individual events and relays.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs track and field teams qualified nine athletes and relay alternates for area competition last week at the District 13-1A meet.The Moran girls finished fourth in the team standings with 84 points, while the boys placed sixth with eight points.

By Sam WallerThree members of the Albany tennis program will take their shots at claiming a state championship next week at the Class 2A state tournament.