MOSS BLUFF — A familial bond off the field has helped the Sam Houston Broncos softball team to a great season on the diamond.

The Broncos (30-2) will return to the state championship tournament Friday when they face Live Oak in a non-select Division I semifinals.

Sam Houston reached the semifinals last season and returned the nucleus of the team this year, including a seven-member senior class.

Shortstop Brylie Fontenot said the biggest step on the path to the team’s success took place away from the field.

“It’s us all becoming a big family,” she said. “Last year we were close too, but this year is different. Our team chemistry is different and we all care about each other.

“A bunch of us have played together our whole lives. We’ve played together in middle school; we’ve been on teams with each other’s siblings and now we’re all together like one big, happy family.

“We still get mad like sisters do, but we’re right there for each other and we always have each other’s backs. If you mess up, I’ll be right there to help you pick yourself back up.”

Senior outfielder Bre Fontenot said the chemistry has gotten better over the course of the season.

“I feel we have grown throughout the year,” she said. “We’ve gotten closer, especially with the youngsters. I’ve enjoyed helping them. We try to teach them different skills, help them mentally and physically, teach them how to work hard, have confidence in themselves and build relationships with their teammates.”

Brylie said she learned from previous Broncos players during her underclass years.

“Andie Edwards was the first one to really help me,” she said. “At first I was scared of her. She was intimidating to me. She was a senior and I wanted to play her position but she was better than me by a long shot. She pushed me every day, and I am thankful for her.

“Erin Ardoin and Maci Baldwin were like my older sisters and helped me to become the player I am. They let me know it was OK to mess up, to just keep trying.”

Bre Fontenot said she learned what to do on and off the field from older players.

“Erin taught me how to work hard,” she said. “Mary and Maci Baldwin taught me how to never give up, how to stay positive, how to cheer for my teammates. I enjoy seeing the younger players grow and do well in the big moments. It makes me so happy for them.

“We had a walk-off win against John Curtis where some of the younger girls came through with big hits and that’s my favorite memory from this season.”

Bre Fontenot said work in the offseason has paid off this season.

“I worked hard over the summer to get better, get stronger physically and mentally,” she said. “I definitely took on more of a team perspective. Instead of how I could do well in terms of numbers and stats, I thought of what I could do in this moment to help my team and to win this game. The win is more important than your at-bat or what you did in a certain moment.”

Brylie Fontenot said she’s excited about a return trip to the state tournament.

“Making it back was the best moment of the season,” she said. “It’s such a great environment to be in, everybody’s energy is up. It’ll be easier this year since I know what to expect.”