SAN BENITO — For the third time in school history the Lady ‘Hounds are headed back to the Elite 8, but for the first time they’re doing so with the number one ranking in the state.
Earlier in the week San Benito was awarded the top spot in the Texas Coaches Association 6A poll after moving up a notch from second.
However, San Benito head Coach Elias Martinez knows that when push comes to shove you can throw rankings out the window and that it’s what you do on the field that matters the most.
“All of those rankings are opinions,” said Martinez. If games were won on rankings then we would be winning the state championship. The girls know it’s an honor to have but we’re not dwelling on it.
“It’s our first time being ranked number one and it’s an honor to have it and it gives us motivation but it’s only someone’s opinion.”
This week the task gets tougher as the Lady Greyhounds face the state’s third-ranked New Braunfels Canyon Cougaretts in the Regional finals.
“We’ve had an up beat practice this week because we know that it’s an extra week of having fun,” said Martinez. “But it’s been pretty much repetition trying to stay sharp.
“We know they have a stud pitcher and we’ve been working on speeding up the (pitching) machine trying to simulate her the best we can.
“As we all know offense sells tickets but defense wins championships.”
This year’s playoff run has been in large part of the underclassman’s that have stepped up when called upon.
“We’re a young team. We have a couple of seniors but for the most part it’s sophomores and freshman and one junior,” said Coach Martinez. “These young girls are barley learning how to handle the playoff atmosphere and the pressure that comes with it.”
San Benito’s postseason run into the Elite 8 included victories over Weslaco East, McAllen Memorial, Laredo LBJ, and San Antonio O’Conner. While the Canyon Cougaretts have also had tough postseason road with wins over San Antonio Madison, San Antonio Brandeis, San Antonio Southwest, and Eagle Pass in the 6A regional semifinals.
Game 1 in the best of three game series Regional Finals against New Braunfels will be today in Cabaniss softball field at 7 p.m.
Game 2 will be Saturday at 2 p.m. and if necessary Game 3 will begin 30 minutes after.