Softball notes: Rio Hondo claims 32-4A title

Rio Hondo clinched its fourth consecutive District 32-4A title with a 15-0 win against Hidalgo on Thursday night. The win also sealed up the top seed in the district for the upcoming playoffs.

Despite the loss, Hidalgo (9-3) still locked up the two seed with the final two spots up for grabs.

Rio Hondo improved its record to a perfect 12-0 in league play and extended its win streak to 13 games, which is the second longest in the RGV behind Edinburg High, which has won 17 in a row.

“Our team has showed a lot of character. After our tournament in La Joya, it put us on the map by beating a couple of big schools,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “We have been preparing for the playoffs the last few weeks and we feel we have what it takes to make some noise in the playoffs. It’s important to finish the season strong. We next have Zapata, which is in the mix, and a trip to Port Isabel, which is always fun.”

Zapata picked up a 4-1 win against Port Isabel on Thursday, which moved to 8-4 ahead of Port Isabel at 7-6 for the fourth spot. Raymondville is currently 7-4 and its game versus Grulla was postponed to Monday. Port Isabel is still mathematically alive to clinch a playoff spot, but needs a win and some help.

Looking ahead to the first round of the playoffs, in District 31-4A, Orange Grove sits atop the league at 12-1 followed by Sinton at 11-2, Ingleside at 10-3 and Rockport-Fulton at 8-5.