by JASON GORDON
The Hays High softball team didn’t waste any time rebounding from a lopsided loss to Lockhart in its District 17-4A opener.
The Lady Rebels run-ruled both Lehman and Manor to improve to 2-1 in district action.
Hays got their bats working early against the Lady Lobos, scoring four runs in the first inning after an RBI single from Emily Opheim, RBI doubles by Ashley Miller and Kelsea Sadler and a Mary Ann Rizo RBI triple.
“It definitely always helps to put runs up early,” Hays head coach Jo Farr said. “I wish we could do that every game.”
Hays added five more runs in both the third and sixth innings against Lehman.
Opheim set the table in the third inning with a leadoff triple, and Sadler, Rizo, Taylor McDaniel and McKinna Kensey all added RBIs to help the Lady Rebs stretch the lead to 9-0.
Freshman pitcher Allie Gleason was dominant for the Lady Rebels, allowing only four hits while striking out six to record the shutout.
“That was a phenomenal pitching performance for a freshman,” Farr said. “We walked 11 batters in the Lockhart game, and cut that down to four against Lehman, so that was a huge plus.”
Against Manor, Hays welcomed back senior pitcher and leadoff batter Amanda Ruiz to the lineup.
She responded by throwing a one-hitter and striking out 12 bewildered Lady Mustang batters.
“It was real nice to have Amanda back out there,” Farr said. “Our freshman pitchers have done a great job, but Amanda brings us leadership when she’s pitching, batting and in the dugout.”
Against Manor, Opheim had four hits, and Kensey and Ruiz added three hits apiece to lead the Lady Rebel offensive attack.
After a rainout Tuesday night, Hays was scheduled to play rival San Marcos at home on Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m. Log in to haysfreepress.com for a complete game story.
