FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Joanna Gonzalez is a name many in San Benito won’t soon forget or San Antonio O’Connor High for that matter as well.
The freshmen outfielder almost brought the house down at Corpus Christi Calallen softball field on Saturday afternoon after blasting two crucial home runs in Game 2 victory of the Regional IV-6A semifinals.
“Along the way as ran the bases I felt really happy because I knew the girls were behind me, because it’s not just me it’s the other girls too,” said Gonzalez.
“On the second (home run) I wasn’t actually thinking about that (home run) all I was thinking is base hit even after I hit the ball all I was thinking was base hit and it end up going over the wall and I was just as shocked again.
“I was amazed like, ‘wow I did it’ and I’m glad I did that because I helped the team out.”
Gonzalez’ home runs sparked the team and produced a total of four runs. In Game 3, in the top of sixth with runners on first and second, Gonzalez took a routine bunt and created havoc when O’Conner’s first baseman made a throwing error that allowed Stephanie Contreras and Kim Harper to score their second runs of the game giving the Lady ‘Hounds the best of three game series victories.
However the most surprising aspect of it all is her freshman status and the maturity Gonzalez has shown on the field.
“She’s an incoming freshman and she came up big this past weekend hitting a pair of critical home runs,” said San Benito head coach Elias Martinez. “The night before she struggled and she came back with a vengeance on Saturday lucky for us.”
“It’s an amazing feeling and I feel so proud of myself because you’re out here with the varsity and upper classmen it’s an amazing feeling,” added Gonzalez.
Game 1 of the best of three game series Regional Finals against New Braunfels will be on Friday 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.