By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Lady Greyhound varsity softball players notched their second consecutive shutout and improved their District 32-6A record to 4-2 after defeating the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons at home, 3-0, Tuesday night.
They now have two district games remaining against Brownsville Veterans Memorial (away, April 15) and Harlingen (home, April 17). The Lady ‘Hounds, who are 14-10-1 overall, are looking to beat these two district foes that they lost to in their previous meetings.
The game against Los Fresnos, the second time around, was much closer as San Benito had won in its away game by a 21-2 margin.
Regardless of the previous score, San Benito sophomore pitcher Arielle Hernandez had a sound game on the mound, allowing one hit in the final inning.
Hernandez also recorded 11 strikeouts.
To maintain a perfect pitching performance, defensive plays were vital. One of the most impressive plays came with the game still scoreless in the top of the third inning when Hernandez struck out the first batter, and then had a walk.
Los Fresnos’ attempt to advance the runner to second base failed when a bunt play was caught by the outstretched arm of first baseman Annalise Rodriguez. The freshman then got in on a double play as she tagged out the runner at first on a throw.
The Lady ‘Hounds got on the scoreboard in the bottom frame when senior Jozanna Montes hit a double to score sophomore pinch runner Kaitlynn Martinez. She replaced Hernandez, who got on base with a walk.
In the fourth inning, sophomore Jewelianah Mares scored a run after sophomore Avani Garza hit safely to second base.
San Benito scored an insurance run in the fifth. Montes was hit by a pitch to open up the inning. Pinch runner senior Keara Dominguez went around the bases to score after sophomore Eliza Gallegos hit a double to right field.
The Lady ‘Hounds were without Head Coach Krystal Leal, who was out on maternity leave. Assistant Coach Audulio Garza said there are challenges when facing a team twice in district play and credits Los Fresnos for making the game challenging.
“You want to be in tight games, especially if you’re going to prepare your team for the playoffs,” Garza said. “It’s going to be nice telling coach (Leal) about this win. We did it for her. She’s definitely missed, but were proud of her for giving birth to her baby.”