LA JOYA — After every strikeout, La Joya High ace Arlette Hernandez celebrates by subtly shooting an imaginary bow-and-arrow.
Hernandez was running out of imaginary arrows after striking out 15 PSJA High batters as the Coyotes beat the Bears 3-1 on Tuesday night in an early battle of District 31-6A title contenders at La Joya High School.
“I have been doing it since my freshman year,” Hernandez said. “It gives me motivation.”
PSJA High put pressure on Hernandez during the top of the sixth by loading the bases. A mishandled pitch allowed one runner to score, but Hernandez settled down and struck out the next two batters to end the inning.
“I think I did pretty well out here,” she said. “Just supporting my girls defensively and offensively. We all supported each other this game.”
Being in a tight spot like the sixth inning does not faze Hernandez, La Joya head coach Carlos Rodriguez said.
“She just has that same mindset on every pitch,” Rodriguez said. “The girls, they back her up 100%, she is a really good team player.”
Coyotes shortstop Janelly Rodriguez ended the game with a 6-3 double play in the seventh.
La Joya High scored all of its runs in the third inning. Jewelisa Veloz started things in the inning with a single, going 2-for-2 on the night. Veloz scored on a fielder’s choice, a walk scored the next run and Rodriguez’s sacrifice fly drove in the third run.
PSJA High pitcher Ari Hernandez had a solid night in the circle, finishing with five strikeouts. The Bears’ defense also made some great plays. Well-hit balls in the outfield were tracked down and the infield made some nice throws on hard-hit balls.
“Give them credit, they played well — they really did,” Rodriguez said. “They matched up with us, and I think we are pretty decent.”
Rodriguez said the next game between the two should be tight as well.
Hernandez cruised in the early innings. In the third and fifth, the Coyotes’ ace struck out the side. La Joya High had chances to score runs in the bottom of the second but left runners in scoring position.
La Joya High returns to action against Edinburg High at 7 p.m. Friday at Edinburg High, and PSJA High takes on Edinburg North at 7 p.m. Friday at home.