KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Two of the Valley’s best teams will take the field Friday night in a one-game playoff with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. It will be a story of the savvy veterans against the new kids on the block.
Harlingen South has been in this spot before, when they reached the sweet 16 last year. Meanwhile Vela has broken new ground and are in the regional quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
The two clubs will lock horns Friday night at Harlingen South in the class 6A regional quarterfinals with the first pitch set for 8 p.m.
“ We’re all excited, anytime you can play softball another week it’s a great thing,” said Lady Hawks coach Elias Martinez. “Each round gets tougher and tougher, we get the best of the best and each round is special.
“ The kids are still unwinding emotionally from Saturdays crazy win, but they’re ready to go and we will be ready for Friday.”
Throughout the year, District 32-6A and District 31-6A were arguably the toughest districts in the Valley. Edinburg Vela finished second in league play and are the last remaining playoff team in 31-6A.
Along the way, Vela beat Weslaco in the bi-district round and in the area round, swept Laredo Alexander. The Lady Sabercats are led by their senior ace Naomi Reyes who whiffed 11 batters in game-one against Alexander then fanned nine in game two.
“ It’s special to play a Valley school in the third round, because it doesn’t happen too often,” said Martinez. “We have three teams from 6A that are still alive in the playoffs and two of them are from our district, and that just shows how tough our district was.”
A key ingredient to South’s success is the strong play from their outfield. Junior Natasha Canales plays left, junior Melba Rodriguez directs traffic in center and sophomore Kayla Rogers plays right.
Rogers who started in last year’s regional quarterfinals has taken the next step both at the plate and on the field.
“ Right now we’re confident and in the outfield we’re communicating very well,” Rogers said. “We always talk it up and we do the best we can and we always backup our infield no matter what.
“ It’s a tough position to play, but I picture where I need to be and I execute. It helps to have experience; we have had plenty of games together and have the experience.”
Rodriguez, whom has made play after play in centerfield, has also taken the next step as one of the Valley’s top center fielder’s.
“ I get a little nervous when I see a full house, but it gets my adrenaline going and I’m ready to play,” Rodriguez said. “Playing center is fun, you have to be ready every pitch and you always have to be on your horse. Communication is very important and taking the right angles. I’m excited to have another home game Friday, our student body will be here and we’re ready.”