By MARIO AGUIRRE| STAFF WRITER
Despite batting .397 and posting a .436 on-base percentage, Edinburg North coach Richard Tressler believes his Lady Cougars have yet to realize their offense potential.
“We’ve shown signs of it when we score a lot of runs,” Tressler said. “But we’re still looking for that consistency.”
At 21-6 overall, including 7-1 in district, the Lady Cougars find themselves in the hunt for the 31-6A trophy. They enter tonight’s matchup against first-place Edinburg High with an opportunity to split the season series, boosting its chances of potentially sharing the district title with three games left after tonight.
But much of that, Tressler said, will hinge on North’s hitting ability across the lineup.
Jackie Longoria (.571) and Klarissa Lopez (.526) have helped carry the load, combining for 85 hits. Lopez and Abigale Hinojosa (.429) also have two home runs apiece and a total of 59 RBIs.
Longoria has also been invaluable in the circle, posting a 1.54 ERA on her way to a 17-5 record.
“Jackie’s been consistent, dominant,” Tressler said. “That’s what helps us.”
That’s been the catalyst for the Lady Cougars’ 10 shutout victories, including four in district. Longoria also has a capable backup in Ayissa Maldonado (4-1), who has started in six games and has pitched in three shutout wins, including a no-hitter.
A four-year letterman, Maldonado has come up big at shortstop, filling in for sophomore Vanessa Garza, who tore her ACL during the second-to-last game of the Mission Tournament.
“Our consistency right now is with our pitching and hitting,” Tressler said. “We’re still looking for it on offense. We have four games left in district, and then playoffs. At any time, we’ll hit our stride and do well offensively.
“We just have too much talent on this team not to hit (consistently top to bottom). … It’s just a matter of getting everybody on the same page at the same time.”
Should Edinburg North win tonight, it could create another tie for first place in 31-6A. Last year, there was a three-way jam, forcing coin flips to determine playoff seeding.
If Edinburg High wins tonight’s meeting, it would give the Bobcats a significant advantage in their quest to claim the title outright.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Tressler said. “(Tonight) will pretty much be the determining factor, and then these next few games will give us (a chance for) separation.”
RANKED
Edinburg North cracked a spot in the Texas Girls Coaches Association softball poll.
The Lady Cougars are in a two-way tie for No. 25 in Class 6A, along with Timber Creek (16-5) . San Benito (20-0) is the No. 1-ranked team. La Joya High (18-6) came in No. 19, falling three spots since last week following two straight losses.
In Class 5A, PSJA High (16-4) moved up from No. 23 to 21, boasting a 10-0 district record in 32-5A. Mercedes (18-4, 9-1) dropped to No. 25, tying Tomball Memorial (16-5) at No. 25.
Edcouch-Elsa (16-6, 5-4) also received top 25 consideration.
Rio Hondo (21-3) rounded out the Valley teams ranked by the TGCA, coming in at No. 9 in Class 3A.