by MARK CAUL
Hays freshman Gabi Albarez takes a mighty cut during the Lady rebels’ 12-1 win over rival San Marcos last week. (Photo by Tony Smith)
The blank, stone-faced look on San Marcos head softball coach Cathy Stoughton’s face at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s game spoke volumes.
Her team had just been dealt their second straight double-digit district loss and she was searching for answers.
“This program has never seen anything like this before,” Stoughton said. “We have enjoyed success for so long that the two seniors on this team are having a hard time dealing with losing.”
Hays’ 12-1 romp in a game that was shortened to five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule kept the Lady Rebels (3-1 in 17-4A) tied with Elgin for second place in the district standings. San Marcos fell to 1-3 in 17-4A with the loss.
Lady Rebel senior Amanda Ruiz, starting in only her second game of the season, was dominant from the outset. She struck out nine batters and surrendered only four hits to pick up the victory.
“I was really excited to get out there and pitch against San Marcos,” Ruiz said. “Our goal is to win the district championship and then get out of the first round of the playoffs. We know that they are one of the teams we have to beat for that to happen so I’m very happy to get the win.”
Hays used a seven-run outburst in the third inning to put the game out of reach as Dani Alvarado, Emily Opheim, Taylor McDaniel and Hannah Ramsey all doubled in runs to help the Lady Rebels 3-0 lead quickly balloon to a 10-0 by the time the Rebels were done hitting.
The Rattlers scored their lone run of the game in the top of the fifth as Jessica Villalpando came across to score from third on a throwing error by Alvarado. Ruiz was one pitch away from a shutout.
“There was never any point of the game where I felt totally comfortable we were going to win because San Marcos always has girls who can hit the ball,” Hays head coach Joanna Farr said. “Our girls did a really great job of staying focused and hitting the ball hard. We are playing our best softball right now. That’s a good thing considering the teams we have coming up.”
