BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
After enjoying a 28-4 record in his first season, Edinburg High coach Ramon Arciba needed to replace several important pieces entering 2018. Three of his top run producers — Anngie Salinas, Dezi Marmolejo and Kayla Contreras — departed due to graduation. Salinas and Marmolejo were named 2017 All-Area First-Team performers, as well.
The Bobcats wouldn’t be starved of talent, but they would have to rely on some of their younger girls to step into bigger shoes.
“Even though we lost key players, we had players that the coaching staff felt could come in and fill those roles. Up to this point, they’ve done a great job,” Arciba said.
Arciba alluded to the efforts of players like third baseman Kristee Salas, shortstop Maya Zavala and outfielder Katie Truitt. Salas and Zavala were sophomores one year ago and have dazzled as juniors. Salas’ batting average is up 81 points from 2017. She’s tied a career high for hits in a season (34) and already produced a new career high with five home runs this year.
Zavala’s 31 runs batted in are a new high-water mark for her with five district games remaining. Truitt, now a sophomore, is hitting .494 with four home runs and 20 runs batted in.
“All we emphasize to them is to find a way,” Arciba said. “Even when things aren’t going our way, find a way to try to get runners on. Once we start hitting a little bit, hitting is contagious.”
The Bobcats (21-5) improved to 9-0 in District 31-6A and opened up a three-game lead in the standings on second-place Edinburg Vela after shutting out the SaberCats 2-0 on Tuesday night. Edinburg Vela, PSJA Memorial and Edinburg North are all tied for second.
“We’ve had a couple of tough games against Edinburg North, Vela (on) Tuesday night and the (PSJA Memorial) Wolverines,” Arciba said. “But I never had a doubt that we could be competitive with those teams. I didn’t know if those roles being filled would be good right away or if there was going to be an adjustment period, but we’re super proud of them for finding a way. They’re fighting like we did last year.”