By Moses Leos III.
It took 29 days for the Hays High softball team to rectify its only district loss of the year.
A four run third inning guided Hays to a 5-4 win over the Lockhart Lady Lions Thursday at Lady Rebel Softball Field. Hays improved to 8-1 in 27-4A play with four district games remaining.
“It’s important to get a win here, mainly for district standings,” Hays head coach Aaron Fuller said. “If we want to reach our goal of another district title, we had to come out and play well and get a win tonight.”
Each team’s senior ace pitcher dominated the first two innings. Hays’ Sarah Leal and Lockhart’s Gaby Ybarra maintained the pace.
Above: Freshman Alyssa Martinez is congratulated by Hays head softball coach Aaron Fuller following a third-inning home run against Lockhart on Thursday At top: Senior second baseman Addie Vayas digs out a throw at first base, narrowly beating out a Lockhart batter in Thursday’s district tilt at Lady Rebel Field. (Photos by Moses Leos III) |
Hays’ offense took control in the third inning. Junior Angelica Arroyo kick started the rally with a one-out double. Senior Maddy Shannon followed with an RBI double into left field, driving in Arroyo for the opening run.
The sieve opened one batter later, as freshman Alyssa Martinez rocked a two run home right to right center field.
Shannon said the team focused on Ybarra’s slower outside pitches.
“In practice, we worked on it,” Shannon said. “We were prepared.”
Hays added another run in the third to take a 4-0 lead. A single by junior Haleigh Madden, followed by a walk to sophomore Karina Rocha allowed Leal to deliver an RBI single to left, scoring Madden.
Lockhart scored a run in the fourth, cutting Hays’ lead to 4-1. The Lady Lions roared to life in the sixth.
After Lady Lion senior Katrina Mills doubled to lead off, Fuller intentionally walked Ybarra.
“Gaby is one of the best [hitters] in the district,” Fuller said. “We were trying to prevent a big homerun.”
The move backfired, as junior Cheyenne Martin walloped a three-run homer to right center, pulling Lockhart within a run at 5-4.
It became the last run Lockhart scored. Leal retired the final six outs, conceding only one single. She finished by going the distance, giving up four runs on six hits, while striking out six.
Fuller lauded Leal’s ability to work out of situations – a “rarity” in high school pitchers. He said Leal’s focus allows her to execute in the circle.
Mixing up her pitches proved a pivotal factor.
“After the first time around, I knew they got ahold of my curve,” Leal said. “I worked with my other pitches and tried to throw them off balance.”
Hays’ focus now lies on the reminder of district. Fuller said taking care of their business will stave off complacency.
Shannon said the win over Lockhart – a playoff caliber opponent – helps them prepare for another playoff run.
Being able to notch a win against a rival at home was meaningful for Martinez.
“This crowd we have is outstanding. A lot of people support us,” she said. “We want to make them happy.”
