KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO—Entering the 2019 season, there were a few questions for Rio Hondo head coach Brett Esparza. Amongst the question marks was replacing a few all-district players in centerfielder Bianca Cruz, pitcher and middle infielder Annie Alvarado and catcher Abbie Alvarado, who were all mainstays for Rio Hondo over the last few seasons.
The athletes were on the roster, it was just a matter of Esparza piecing together the puzzle.
With Rio Hondo one of just three Rio Grande Valley teams alive in the softball playoffs, it is safe to say Esparza and his staff have pieced together that puzzle quite well.
The middle of the defense has emerged as a strong unit and are guided by three sophomores and one junior.
Nayeli Garcia, who is the lone junior and has the most experience of the four, has proved to be a versatile weapon for the Lady Bobcats.
As a freshman, Garcia played third and first base before playing played third exclusively as a sophomore.
Now, as a junior, Garcia is playing second base and has found her form along with sophomore shortstop Kelsey Pizarro as the two have developed a nice 1-2 punch in the middle infield this season.
Garcia, who also took time in the circle this year, made the transition to second base when senior pitcher Erika Cortez arrived in Rio Hondo midway through the season.
Garcia took on the roll and it was during their game against Raymondville when she felt fully comfortable at the position.
“I made the move when Erika came to Rio Hondo and we were adjusting everything,” Garcia said. “Coach Esparza was figuring out where we were going to go and there was a missing piece to the puzzle. Erika was that missing piece and putting me at second base, we felt it made the defense stronger.”
Pizarro, who is a true shortstop and can also toe the rubber, has had to adjust to a new second baseman in Garcia.
Last year, Pizarro was teamed up with Domo De Jesus and a year later, has found that chemistry with Garcia.
“There isn’t too much of a difference with a new second baseman,” Pizarro said. “There is just more communication this year and that is one thing that we have improved on with the defense. I feel like I’ve gotten better and I feel more comfortable diving for balls and making more plays as opposed to last year. During the middle of the district season, Nayeli and I began to click more; we make more plays up the middle.”
Abbie Torris is another Lady ’Cat that made a move on the field.
Torris played outfield last year as a freshman and is now filling in the shoes of Abbie Alvarado, who anchored the catchers position the four years previous.
Torris, along with De Jesus, who has moved from second base to centerfield, has proved to be the anchor in the outfield.
“Moving Domo to center field, we have communicated a lot more,” Garcia said. “Playing second and being able to talk to Abbie more has made her a better catcher. She has a strong arm and I communicate with Kelsey at short, letting her know I’m here and making her feel comfortable.”
Rio Hondo is all set for their second sweet 16 appearance in three years when they take on Fredericksburg in a best-of-three series tonight at 7 p.m. at Three Rivers High School.
Game 2 will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at Beeville Jones High School and if needed Game 3 will be played 30 minutes after.