BY KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
EDINBURG — The 1-2 punch at the top of PSJA Memorial’s lineup is a combination of two things — speed and youth. Sophomore shortstop Ely Elizondo and sophomore center fielder Kristy Alanis combined for seven of the 17 runs the Lady Wolverines plated.
PSJA Memorial took a 5-run lead into the third inning, where the Lady Wolverines broke it open. PSJA Memorial got back in the win column with a 17-3 win against Edinburg Vela in five innings on Thursday in Edinburg.
Elizondo turned in a 3-for-5 day at the plate, with three runs and two RBIs. Teammate and leadoff speedster Alanis went 0 for 1 but drew three walks and reached on a fielder’s choice. Alanis took full advantage off the free passes, scoring four times.
Starting pitcher Victoria Gonzalez pitched a complete five innings in the win, allowing three runs on three hits and eight walks. She managed to keep the Vela offense at bay, getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the third inning while her offense provided the pop.
“Coach wanted us to see the ball through and go up there with confidence,” Elizondo said. “I felt we did that today with the big innings we had. We knew what we did wrong against Edinburg High. We regrouped and got the job done today. We’re hoping this win carries over into next week. Kristy and I have played together for a long time. When we got here, we knew we could make things happen at the top of the order. It’s really simple for us. Coach just wants us to get on base so we can score and get the offense going.”
The Lady Wolverines scored four runs in the second and fifth innings. The biggest inning came in the third — a five-run frame that put the game out of reach, 11-2.
Elizondo and Mae Maldonado laced back-to-back RBI doubles, followed by an RBI triple from Chelsea Salinas. The Lady Wolverines racked up a season-high 17 runs on 11 hits.
“The bats came around in the fifth inning. I wanted our girls to stay back and see the ball, and to be patient,” PSJA Memorial coach Gilbert Rodriguez said. “It’s been a tough week with spring break, and having to regroup quickly. After the Edinburg High game, our girls came in ready to work at practice, and we responded in a big way today.”
PSJA Memorial lost to Edinburg High an extra innings earlier this week. The Lady Wolverines are in one of the toughest districts in the Valley. PSJA Memorial (12-6, 4-1 31-6A) sits in fourth place, behind Edinburg High, Edinburg North and PSJA High. Edinburg Vela falls to 10-8, 1-3 in district.
The turning of the tide could begin as early as next week, with PSJA Memorial squaring off against PSJA High on Tuesday and Edinburg North on Friday. The games are an opportunity for PSJA Memorial to gain ground in 31-6A.
“This district is tough. You never know who is going to step up week in and week out,” Rodriguez said. “Every game is different. We know we can’t take anyone lightly, and every week is a challenge.”