KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
With the 2017 softball season in the rear view mirror, earlier this week the Texas Sports Writers Association released its all-state list.
In Class 4A, Rio Hondo represented well with three Lady Cats making the list.
Seniors Bianca Cruz and April Adames, and freshman Abbie Torris were the three representatives, which is the most all-state representatives the program has had in its history.
“I’m proud of the girls for being recognized,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “They have worked extremely hard to be the best versions of themselves and continue to meet the level of expectations that we set in our program.”
Cruz wrapped up a brilliant career in a Lady Cats uniform. Cruz was named district offensive player of the year and was tabbed second team all-state outfield. She batted .538 with 17 doubles and 33 RBIs.
Adames, meanwhile, was named third team all-state at the first base position. She finished her senior season off with a .400 batting average and drove in 21 runs.
Highlighting the list was Torris, who busted onto the scene this season and proved to be one of the top sluggers in the district.
She was this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Newcomer of the Year and was also District 32-4A’s top rookie. Her standout season was capped off by being named first-team outfield on the TSWA list.
Torris becomes the second Lady Cat to be named on the first team list. Last season Tianna Sandoval became the first Lady Cat to be named first team all-state.
“It’s unbelievable and such an honor to make the state list,” said Torris. “It makes me want to keep working hard and to get ready for next season.”
Torris finished her first season in a varsity uniform with some strong offensive numbers, swatting 41 RBIs and 25 doubles, and finished with a .640 average.
De La Fuente, Escamilla represent 32-6A :
Weslaco’s Audrey Escamilla and Harlingen South’s Kaitlynn De La Fuente were the only two players from District 32-6A to make the TSWA All-State list.
Escamilla was named to the second team at the catcher position. Escamilla batted an impressive .560, had 65 hits and 20 doubles this season.
De La Fuente, meanwhile, was named the Valley Morning Star All-STAR Pitcher of the Year and was named third team all-state as a pitcher. The senior dealt 133 innings and finished with a 23-4 record while striking out 144 batters.