PHARR — Brownsville Porter versus PSJA Southwest pitted the No. 1 seed Cowboys from District 32-5A against the fourth-seeded Javelinas out of District 31-5A in the opening round of the playoffs.

Southwest gave Porter everything it could handle for 80 minutes, but the district champion Cowboys are marching on to the area round after a 1-0 win Friday at PSJA Southwest High School. Porter will face Victoria West in Round 2. Game details are to be determined.

“Southwest was only three points away from first place and very close to being one of the top seeds in the area in a very competitive district. We were expecting a very physical game, a very intense game,” Porter head coach Jose Espitia said. “We took advantage of the opportunity. We were very lucky. They had their chances, we had our chances and we’re lucky that one of them went in. … I’m proud of our boys. They were able to turn the situation around, especially after having them on top of us for the first 15-20 minutes. They came back and kind of controlled the tempo of the game. Unfortunately for Southwest, someone had to advance and we’re thankful that it’s us. We feel bad for them because they have a heck of a team and they deserve more.”

Southwest was in control for the opening 20 minutes with constant pressure and possession.

The Cowboys finally found a crack in the Javelinas’ defense in the 36th minute, however, as Alessandro Lara scored on a laser from 25 yards to give Porter a 1-0 halftime lead.

Southwest upped the intensity in the second half in an attempt to even the score at 1. Yahir Peña and Pedro Galvan both created scoring opportunities for the Javelinas that either bounced off the crossbar or sailed just wide of the Porter goal.

The Cowboys now shift their focus to next week’s area round against Victoria West.

Victoria West advanced to the area round by defeating La Joya Palmview 2-2 (4-3) in penalty kicks Thursday. Victoria West finished as the No. 2 seed in District 29-5A.

“We definitely have to improve in many aspects. From the 20th to the 40th minute, we had a lot of opportunities and we got to put it away because if not we’re going to suffer until the last minute,” Espitia said. “We’re expecting a very intense game. It’s the second round, it keeps getting harder and harder, so for now, start preparing our boys for next week.”

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EDINBURG — Weslaco High senior Sergio Lerma is prepared to make his third appearance at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association state championships this weekend in Abilene.

As a sophomore, Lerma was crowned state champ in the 181-pound weight class. He fell just shy of repeating in 2022 with a second-place finish at state.

Now, Lerma enters his final THSPA state meet at the top-ranked lifter in his weight class and has his sights set on winning a second state championship in three years.

“All I want is to not leave any weight off the bar. This is my last year, I have to give it all I got, everything in my body,” he said. “I’ve been doing this since seventh grade, so I have to give it everything I have.”

Lerma and the top high school powerlifters from across the state are set to compete at the state championships today and Saturday at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. Division II and III compete at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Division I and IV are scheduled to lift at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Weslaco’s Sergio Lerma during a RegionV Boys THSPA Powerlifting meet at Edinburg High school gymnasium Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Edinburg,Texas. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

The Weslaco senior is coming off a standout performance at the THSPA Region V Division I meet, where he lifted a total of 1,735 pounds — 675 on squat, 385 on bench and 675 on deadlift.

“Powerlifting is like a roller coaster. I think it’s really taught me to focus and stay locked in and chase your goals,” Lerma said. “Life is just like powerlifting — there’s ups and downs, you have bad days, good days, and I just love the sport.”

He’s one of 10 Rio Grande Valley powerlifters who enter the state meet as the top-ranked lifter in their respective weight class and division — Justin Chapa, Edinburg Vela, 114-pound weight class (465 squat, 255 bench, 475 deadlift, 1,195 total); Deondre Moody, Donna North, 123-pound weight class (545 squat, 315 bench, 430 deadlift, 1,290 total); Logan Maldonado, Weslaco East, 132-pound weight class (535 squat, 315 bench, 475 deadlift, 1,325 total); Juan Saenz, Edinburg North, 165-pound weight class (635 squat, 415 bench, 610 deadlift, 1,660 total); Allan Benavides, Edinburg North, 220-pound weight class (775 squat, 460 bench, 625 deadlift, 1,860 total); Ryan Creasy, McAllen Rowe, 242-pound weight class (585 squat, 525 bench, 650 deadlift, 1,860 total); Dante Ramones, Edinburg North, 275-pound weight class (805 squat, 550 bench, 700 deadlift, 2,055 total); Fabian Solis, Edinburg IDEA, 114-pound weight class, Division III (465 squat, 285 bench, 405 deadlift, 1,155 total); Jamie Elissetche, La Villa, 308-pound weight class, Division IV (715 squat, 445 bench, 580 deadlift, 1,740 total).

Edinburg Vela senior Justin Chapa draws motivation from his freshman year, when he was ranked outside the top 30 lifters in the 114-pound weight class. Now, Chapa is ranked No. 1 in the state at 114 pounds with a 1,195-pound total — 465 squat, 255 bench and 475 deadlift.

Edinburg Vela’s Justin Chapa during a RegionV Boys THSPA Powerlifting meet at Edinburg High school gymnasium Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Edinburg,Texas. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

“I’m really thankful because I remember my freshman year I was ranked No. 33. I was devastated by that,” he said. “Now, my senior year, it feels completely amazing. I’m very proud, and it’s an amazing feeling. I have no doubts in myself. There’s no worry, there’s no stress — I’m happy about this.”

Donna North’s Louie Cavazos won gold in the 123-pound weight class in 2022. With Cavazos graduating last year, Donna North’s Deondre Moody has stepped in at 123 pounds and has taken over the weight class.

The junior posted a 1,290 total in the regional meet with a 545 squat, 315 bench and 430 deadlift to lead all lifters in his weight class. He hopes to give Donna North its second straight state champion at 123 pounds.

“We’re really strong in lightweights,” Moody said. “I looked up to Louie and followed his path. I can’t let that 123-pound title get taken away until I’m gone. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and not back down.”

Donna North’s Deondre Moody during a RegionV Boys THSPA Powerlifting meet at Edinburg High school gymnasium Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Edinburg,Texas. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

A complete list of THSPA state qualifiers can be found at RGVSports.com.

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MISSION — Sharyland High dominated its Region IV-5A bi-district playoff matchup against Brownsville Veterans from start to finish for a 4-0 victory on Thursday at Sharyland High School.

The District 31-5A co-champion Rattlers advance to the area round to face the winner of Corpus Christi Veterans and Laredo Nixon.

“Coming into the game, we knew it was going to be a tough game. Any team that makes the playoffs, hats off,” Sharyland High head coach Jorge Guerra said. “We stuck to our game plan, moved the ball quick and things went our way.”

Sharyland senior Kevin Zepeda recorded a hat trick with one goal in the first half and a pair within five minutes of each other in the second half to lead the Rattlers.

Sharyland’s Alan Guerrero delivered two first-half assists with crossers that were finished by Zepeda for goal No. 1 and Juan Pablo Trevino for No. 2 for a 2-0 lead at the break.

Zepeda and the Rattlers’ attack kept the pressure on the Chargers during the second half.

Zepeda torched the defense down the left sideline and sent a floater over the Brownsville Veterans goalie and into the back of the net for a 3-0 advantage. Then, Treviño and Zepeda played a two-man game to near perfection to leave the latter wide open for the hat trick in the 60th minute.

“It’s the teamwork,” Guerra said. “We know (Kevin) is a great player, and we have great players around him. He’s a very skilled player, left and right, he can do it all.

Sharyland will go back to work in preparation for its area-round test against either Corpus Christi Veterans or Laredo Nixon. Game details are to be determined.

“This gives us that confidence that we’re doing something right, and we just have to keep building on what we’re practicing,” Guerra said.

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SAN JUAN — Los Fresnos and PSJA High both won district titles in 2022. The Bears and Falcons are yet to start district play this season, so the two 6A powers came together for a non-district matchup, with PSJA High earning a 4-2 victory Tuesday at PSJA High School.

The Bears improve to 11-5 overall and the Falcons drop to 14-6 on the year.

“I had already told the kids it was going to be like a playoff atmosphere. (Los Fresnos) will be fighting for the district championship over there, we’ll be fighting for a district championship here, so it’s going to be a good rivalry, non-district game,” PSJA head coach Marco Guajardo said. “They threw one of their best guys, we threw one of our best guys, so it was electric and a good atmosphere and something we needed to see, being in a close game against these guys.”

PSJA senior catcher and UTRGV commit Julius Ramirez bats second in the Bears’ lineup. During the first inning, he grounded out to shortstop on the first pitch he saw.

His next at-bat came during the third inning, and he sent the first pitch he saw over the left-field fence of C.V. Cain Baseball Field to put the Bears in front 3-2 with what turned out to be the game-winning run.

“My first at-bat, I got basically the same pitch and I got a little bit on top of it. Once I was expecting fastball, kind of came up with a little hanger and I was being aggressive and I like to swing, so I got it,” Ramirez said.

PSJA High’s Julius Ramirez (99) is congratulations at home plate after hitting a single home run in the third against Los Fresnos in a game at PSJA High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

PSJA shortstop Jaime Lopez added an RBI single during the third to build the 4-2 advantage for the final margin.

Derek Garcia led the Falcons offensively with a single during the first inning and an RBI double during the third that bounced off the wall in center field to score Alejandro Rodriguez from second to tie the game at 2.

Garcia finished 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI. Josh Munoz was the only other Falcons player to record a hit, going 1-for-3.

Los Fresnos’ Josh Munoz (23) pitches against PSJA High in a game at PSJA High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

PSJA’s Vinny Cano picked up the win, allowing one earned run off six walks and two hits, striking out seven in six innings. Charlie Zamaripa earned the save with two hits and one strikeout in a scoreless seventh inning. Cano also went 2-for-2 at the plate.

PSJA High’s Vinny Cano (24) pitches against Los Fresnos in a game at PSJA High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

PSJA High and Los Fresnos both move on for another non-district game as 31-6A and 32-6A squads go head-to-head. The Bears will travel to Harlingen to face the Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. at Harlingen High School. The Falcons will play host to Mission High at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Los Fresnos High School.

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Rio Grande Valley girls powerlifters combined to win 26 individual state championships and Los Fresnos and Edcouch-Elsa both won team titles in their respective classes while competing at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Meets from March 15-18 at the Comerica Center in Frisco.

Los Fresnos’ girls powerlifting team won its eighth-straight Class 6A state championship with 33 points, 12 more than second-place finisher Royse City.

Points are awarded for the top five finishes in each weight class in this manner — 7, 5, 3, 2 and 1. Each lifter goes through three different sets of lifts — squat, bench press and deadlift. The total weight combined from the three lifts determines the winner.

N Falcons powerlifters posted top five finishes to win medals in their respective weight classes and earn points towards their team total: Clarissa Rodriguez (1st in 97-pound weight class, 305 squat, 150 bench, 270 deadlift, 725 total), Tyler Martin (1st in 105-pound weight class, 305 squat, 200 bench, 290 deadlift, 795 total), Hailey Martin (2nd in 114-pound weight class, 850 total), Anette Cardenas (2nd in 123-pound weight class, 895 total); Alondra Salas (3rd in 114-pound weight class, 750 total), Kimberly Almazan (3rd in 198-pound weight class, 1,025 total), Soley Mendoza (4th in 165-pound weight class, 970 total), Marifer Roriguez (5th in 105 pound-weight class, 680 total); Kiara Villanueva (5th in 181-pound weight class, 960 total).

In Class 5A Division II, Edcouch-Elsa’s girls powerlifting team won its third-straight state championship with 22 points.

Yellow Jackets senior Georgina Alaniz won her third-straight state championship with a 1,015 total (430 squat, 205 bench, 380 deadlift) in the 132-pound weight class. E-E’s Zilah Velez (2nd in 97-pound weight class, 635 total), Addie Anzaldua (2nd in 105-pound weight class, 725 total), Emma Garza (220-pound weight class, 1,015 total) and Katie Contreras (97-pound weight class, 545 total) all posted podium finishes to contribute to the Yellow Jackets’ total points.

Edinburg IDEA College Prep earned second place as a team in Class 3A Division II with a pair of repeat state champs in Amaris Garza at 181 pounds (520 squat, 320 bench, 470 deadlift, 1,310 total) and Mia Rincones at 165 pounds (415 squat, 300 bench, 370 deadlift, 1,085 total)

La Joya Palmview finished third as a team in Class 5A Division I with nine points and PSJA Southwest placed third as a team in Class 5A Division II with 17 points.

Palmview’s Julie Tamez won gold in the 114-pound weight class (345 squat, 155 bench, 330 deadlift) and Cristal Montoya won gold at 148 pounds (425 squat, 175 bench, 380 deadlift, 980 total). Dinorah Galvan won silver in the 105-pound weight class with a 830 total for the Lobos.

Southwest’s 17 points came from state champion at 220-pounds Perla Garza (485 squat, 245 bench,, 380 deadlift, 1,100 total), Rayleen Garza (2nd in 165-pound weight class, 985 total) and Miranda Montez (2nd in 198-pound weight class, 1,045 total).

La Feria earned third as a team in Class 4A Division I with 17 points from Eneece Avila (2nd in 97-pound weight class), Zeena Flores (2nd in 181-pound weight class), Emily Avila (3rd in 105-pound weight class), Galilea Gonzalez (3rd in 132-pound weight class) and Faith Gonzalez (5th in 148-pound weight class).

A complete list of RGV powerlifters who posted top five finishes at the THSWPA state meets from all classes and divisions can be found at RGVSports.com.

2023 STATE CHAMPIONS

CLASS 6A – Clarissa Rodriguez, Los Fresnos, 97-pound weight class (305 squat, 150 bench, 270 deadlift, 725 total); Tyler Martin, Los Fresnos, 105-pound weight class (305 squat, 200 bench, 290 deadlift, 795 total); Keily Guzman, La Joya High, 132-pound weight class (425 squat, 225 bench, 355 deadlift, 1,005 total); Brianna Marquez, Mission High, 148-pound weight class (455 squat, 220 bench, 370 deadlift, 1,045 total); Raquel Uvalle, Harlingen High, 181-pound weight class (470 squat, 245 bench, 390 deadlift, 1,105 total); Jaslyn Estrella, San Benito, 259+ weight class (550 squat, 280 bench, 440 deadlift).

CLASS 5A DIVISION I – Julie Tamez, La Joya Palmview, 114-pound weight class (345 squat, 155 bench, 330 deadlift, 830 total); Ollie Valdez, Brownsville Veterans, 123-pound weight class (375 squat, 180 bench, 350 deadlift, 905 total); Rhonda Valdez, Donna High, 132-pound weight class (380 squat, 205 bench, 335 deadlift, 920 total); Cristal Montoya, La Joya Palmview, 148-pound weight class (425 squat, 175 bench, 380 deadlift, 980 total); Nayeli Barrera, Weslaco East, 198-pound weight class (450 squat, 265 bench, 365 deadlift, 1,080); Yaresi Ozuna, McAllen High, 259-pound weight class (480 squat, 315 bench, 390 deadlift, 1,185 total); Maya Magallanes, Rio Grande City, 259+ weight class (485 squat, 225 bench, 395 deadlift, 1,135 total).

CLASS 5A DIVISION II – Brittney Benedetti, PSJA Memorial, 97-pound weight class (280 squat, 115 bench, 305 deadlift, 700 total); Hailey Aul, Sharyland Pioneer, 105-pound weight class (295 squat, 165 bench, 290 deadlift, 750 total); Ketny Nicoleau, Sharyland Pioneer, 114-pound weight class (405 squat, 225 bench, 405 deadlift, 1,035 total); Georgina Alaniz, Edcouch-Elsa, 132-pound weight class (430 squat, 205 bench, 380 deadlift, 1,015 total); Deseray Rodriguez, Mission Veterans, 148-pound weight class (455 squat, 260 bench, 415 deadlift, 1,130 total); Kayleen Perez, Roma, 165-pound weight class (415 squat, 210 bench, 365 deadlift, 990 total); Perla Garza, PSJA Southwest, 220-pound weight class (485 squat, 245 bench, 380 deadlift, 1,110 total).

CLASS 4A DIVISION I – Alexa Prado, Hidalgo, 97-pound weight class (300 squat, 155 bench, 275 deadlift, 730 total).

CLASS 3A DIVISION I – Mia Ramos, Brownsville IDEA Riverview, 259+ weight class (480 squat, 260 bench, 395 deadlift, 1,135 total).

CLASS 3A DIVISION II – Leslie Flores, Santa Rosa, 148-pound weight class (415 squat, 205 bench, 380 deadlift, 1,000 total); Mia Rincones, Edinburg IDEA College Prep, 165-pound weight class (415 squat, 300 bench, 370 deadlift, 1,085 total); Amaris Garza, Edinburg IDEA College Prep, 181-pound weight class (520 squat, 320 bench, 470 deadlift, 1,310 total).

CLASS 1A-2A – Yaretzy Gomez, La Villa, 259+ weight class (430 squat, 250 bench, 370 deadlift, 1,070 total).

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Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Meets

Top 5 Finishers

Class 6A

97 pounds – Clarissa Rodriguez, Los Fresnos (725 total); Aubrey Medina, Weslaco High (625); Danika Rickard, Midland Legacy (595); Hailey Galarza, San Benito (575); Arieanah Carillo, Edinburg High (565).

105 pounds – Tyler Martin, Los Fresnos (795); Victoria Juarez, Brownsville Hanna (765); Vivian Williams, Tyler Legacy (705); Estefanny Lino, Alvin (695); Marifer Rodriguez, Los Fresnos (680).

114 pounds – Mia Zuniga, Tyler Legacy (885); Hailey Martin, Los Fresnos (850); Alondra Salas, Los Fresnos (750); Lexi Rodriguez, Alvin (750); Samantha Espinoza, Weslaco High (745).

123 pounds – Avery Quiroga, Wylie (900); Anette Cardenas, Los Fresnos (895); Jaylen De Hoyos, San Angelo Central (840); Aubrie Devine, Conroe (825); Mia Huddleston, Laredo United South (815).

132 pounds – Keily Guzman, La Joya High (1,005); Denisse Limon, Alvin (965); Hannah Casas, Avlin (955); Leandra Machuca, San Benito (870); Julia Trimble, Dripping Springs (845).

148 pounds – Brianna Marquez, Mission High (1,045); Ava Borders, Wylie (935); Haley Hughes, Clute Brazoswood (935); Mckenna Seaman, Prosper (930); Sydney Nelson, Weatherford (890).

165 pounds – Fatima Amaya, Royse City (1,020); Ashley Cruz, Harlingen High (1,000); Christy Richardson, Dickinson (980); Soley Mendoza, Los Fresnos (970); Katilyn Garcia-Allen, Wylie (935).

181 pounds – Raquel Uvalle, Harlingen High (1,105); Ayah Bnider, Dickinson (1,080); Emily Phillips, Wylie (1,015); Milka Gah, Keller Central (960); Kiara Villanueva, Los Fresnos (960).

198 pounds – Carmen Mitchell, Wylie East (1,090); Kendall Nalley, Wylie (1,040); Kimberly Almazan, Los Fresnos (1,025); Alinne Flores, Conroe Caney Creek (995); Olohita Ejere, Weatherford (995).

220 pounds – Haley Gardella, Royse City (1,150); Siomara Garcia, Edinburg Economedes (1,120); Ezra Mendez, San Marcos (1,070); Sofia Lopez, Edinburg North (1,060); Shaelee Rodriguez, Weslaco High (1,030).

259 pounds – Aja Bostic, Royse City (1,315); Eliana Hernandez, Alvin (1,315); Damaris Medrano, Clute Brazoswood (1,020); Karina Garcia, Edinburg High (1,005); Georgia Stephenson, Pearland (1,005).

259+ – Jaslyn Estrella, San Benito (1,270); Ruthie Sanchez, Keller Central (1,270); Maya Ruiz, Alvin (1,145); Deaisha Boone, Dickinson (1,125); Ayjah smith, Prosper (1,090).

Class 5A Division I

97 pounds – Karla Linares, Victoria West (725 total); Alexia Alanis, Brownsville Veterans (710); Aaliyah Izaguirre, Victoria East (655); June Acevedo, Donna High (625); Avery Cano, Victoria East (625).

105 pounds – Alyssa Martinez, Kyle Lehman (855); Dinorah Galvan, La Joya Palmview (830); Leah Galvan, Weslaco East (800); Kendall Gutierrez, Kyle Lehman (745); Bianca Arciniega, Burleson Centennial (680).

114 pounds – Julie Tamez, La Joya Palmview (830); Maddisin Ruiz, Victoria East (820); Natalie Martinez, Weslaco East (810); Kassandra Falcon, McAllen Memorial (785); Leslie Martinez, Weslaco East (760).

123 pounds – Ollie Valdez, Brownsville Veterans (905); Luna Cuevas, McAllen Memorial (880); Raegan Williams, Azle (835); Jennifer Escalante, Edinburg Vela (835); Leila Gomez, Kyle Lehman (835).

132 pounds – Rhonda Valdez, Donna High (920); Kylie Kramer, College Station (890); Leilani Dudley, Killeen Ellison (885); Jasmine Jaimes, Kyle Lehman (880); Alondra Gonzalez, Brownsville Veterans (860).

148 pounds – Cristal Montoya, La Joya Palmview (980); Ashlyn Montes, PSJA North (960); Elaina Herrera, Lake Belton (915); Lydia Guerreca, Cleburne (910); Tori Patek, Victoria West (910).

165 pounds – Lizbeth Alegria, Cleburne (1,095); Francis Arroyo, Saginaw (965); Jessica Kolodziejczyk, College Station (965); Rachel Velasquez, Brownsville Veterans (945); Eternity De La Garza, McAllen Memorial (940).

181 pounds – Alyssa Sauceda, Victoria East (1,240); Angelina Yanez, Donna High (1,015); Mylie Martinez, Victoria East (965); Morgan Marvell, Cleburne (960); Alejandra Calderon, McAllen Memorial (930).

198 pounds – Nayeli Barrera, Weslaco East (1,080); Christen Hernandez, Victoria East (1,050); Hailey Byrd, Victoria West (1,050); Tricia Leyva, Donna High (1,035); Brittany Lugo, Laredo Nixon (940).

220 pounds – Crystal Martinez, Kyle Lehman (1,260); Alyse Gonzales, Victoria West (1,075); Emily Thompson, College Station (1,030); Olivia Zboral, Victoria East (1,025); Haily Cuevas, PSJA North (1,000).

259 pounds – Yaresi Ozuna, McAllen High (1,185); Arianna Prill, Kyle Lehman (1,185); Kayra Guerrero, Donna High (1,110); Audra Parsons, Cleburne (1,075); Kylee Grigsby Cleburne (1,060.

259+ – Maya Magallanes, Rio Grande City (1,135); Halimat Oomilabu, Frisco Centennial (1,095); Briana Galvan, Weslaco East (1,065); Tyranny Pace, Killeen (1,065); Genesis Rodriguez, Victoria East (1,045).

Class 5A Division II

97 pounds – Brittney Benedetti, PSJA Memorial (700 total); Zilah Velez, Edcouch-Elsa (635); Mia Carr, Crandall (555); Katie Contreras, Edcouch-Elsa (545); Brylee Ross, Abilene Wylie (505).

105 pounds – Hailey Aul, Sharyland Pioneer (750); Addie Anzaldua, Edcouch-Elsa (725); Alondra Rosario, Killeen Chaparral (720); Kendall Criner, Joshua (695); Raylein Gaona, PSJA Memorial (665).

114 pounds – Ketny Nicoleau, Sharyland Pioneer (1,035); Elizabeth Nunez, Elgin (750); Kayla Martinez, Plainview (745); Carolina De La Fuente, PSJA Memorial (735); Adriana Fernandez, Brownsville Porter (735).

132 pounds – Georgina Alaniz, Edcouch-Elsa (1,015); Julie Rodriguez, Mission Veterans (920); Breanna Thompson, Carrollton Creekview (870); Bridgette Sanchez, Mercedes (785); Elise Eckford, Liberty Hill (780).

148 pounds – Deseray Rodriguez, Mission Veterans (1,130); Leslie Medina, Huntsville (970); Ralyssa Enueshike, Elgin (945); Katilynn Ocanas, Mission Veterans (870); Jacci Myers, Belton (865).

165 pounds – Kayleen Perez, Roma (990); Rayleen Garza, PSJA Southwest (985); Eleana Canales, PSJA Memorial (965); Abigail Moreno, Gregory-Portland (930); Dayla Palacios, Elgin (890).

181 pounds – Rebecka Borg, Argyle (1,080); Cristal Sanchez, Waco University (1,020); Kianna Jones, Denison (1,020); Allyson Gil, Brownsville Porter (1,010); Esther Adedire, Mansfield Summit (1,000).

198 pounds – Nayeli James, Mount Pleasant (1,155); Miranda Montez, PSJA Southwest (1,045); Ahjia James, Marshall (980); Isabella Garcia, Mercedes (950); Maddi Valles, Joshua (950).

220 pounds – Perla Garza, PSJA Southwest (1,110); Azlyn Schwarzer, Burleson (1,015); Emma Garza, Edcouch-Elsa (1,015); Ava Roberts, Pflugerville (975); Andrea Pulido, Nederland (965).

259 pounds – Nya Kirk Jones, Elgin (1,335); Sarah Longoria, Mercedes (1,040); Jazmyn Gonzales, Gregory-Portland (1,005); Jadyn Walker, Nederland (975); Leslee Jones, Corsicana, (965).

Class 4A Division I

97 pounds – Alexa Prado, Hidalgo (730 total); Eneece Avila, La Feria (630); Sha Nasia Patterson, Bay City (600); Journee Mekdara, Dumas (600); Sumer Garcia, Rockport-Fulton (560).

105 pounds – Brianna Graham, Springtown (830); Lily Falcone, Comal Davenport (810); Emily Avila, La Feria (755); Corina Leal, Hidalgo (740); Hannah Hernandez, Dumas (680).

123 pounds – Camryn Barragan, Vidor (905); Yurida Godoy, Hidalgo (860); Victoria Shepherd, Mabank (800); Katelyn Padalecki, Floresville (800); Jennvey Gutierrez, Andrews (790).

132 pounds – Kaylynn Mendez, El Campo (935); Daisy Rocha, Waco La Vega (925); Galilea Gonzalez, La Feria (885); Destyni Briseno, Port Lavaca Calhoun (885); Abby Donahue, Decatur (840).

148 pounds – Kylie Wear, Springtown (980); Nolyn Norris, Henderson (965); Hser Ther, Port Lavaca Calhoun (960); Anaie Rodriguez, Springtown (950); Faith Gonzalez, La Feria (920).

181 pounds – Jaycee Barnes, Port Lavaca Calhoun (1,090); Zeena Flores, La Feria (1,070); Madison Watson, Vidor (995); Kyene Harris, Decatur (950); Ariana Castro, Waco La Vega (840).

259 pounds – Angela Chavez, Springtown (1,325); Quasett Woodruff, Big Spring (1,110); Reaghan Fortner, Springtown (1,095); Gabby Cabrera, Lindale (1,070); Arisbe Gonzalez, Hidalgo (1,055).

Class 4A Division II

148 pounds – Ayleen Gonzalez, Hillsboro (970 total); Jamie Casas, Robstown (965); Sarah Howard, Geronimo Navarro (955); Jordan Schaub, Salado (875); Natalie Martinez, Port Isabel (850).

220 pounds – Victoria Peña, Orange Grove (1,015); April Puente, Port Isabel (1,015); Adryana DeFranco, Monahans (980); Genesis Mendoza, Perryton (915); Kenli Sonnier, Silsbee (810).

259 pounds – Mady Garcia, Willis Point (1,155); Kylie Treviño, Grulla (1,050); Alondra Hernandez, Geronimo Navarro (1,015); Ariel Knox, Giddings (990); Alyssah Quackenbush, Longview Spring Hill (960).

Class 3A Division I

259+ – Mia Ramos, Brownsville IDEA Riverview (1,135 total); Izabela Amaro, Kermit (1,085); Destiny Dowell, Fairfield, (1,020); Cora Adjei, Palestine Westwood (975); Lillie Fay, Gladewater Sabine (970).

Class 3A Division II

148 pounds – Leslie Flores, Santa Rosa (1,000 total); Sarah Mann, Elkhart (945); Skylar Johnson, Pattonville Prairiland (940); Lily Kimsey, Milsap (860); Danielle Alcorta, Early (860).

165 pounds – Mia Rincones, Edinburg IDEA (1,085); Alyssa Alcorta, Elkhart (890); Madalyn Warren, Alpine (885); Brooke Usrey, Redwater (865); Jalee Tiller, Henrietta (850).

181 pounds – Amaris Garza, Edinburg IDEA (1,310); Alyne Celedon, Early (975); Mya Victoria, Comanche (960); Addi Boren, Elkhart (945); Annaid Olvera, Odem (935).

220 pounds – Jiselle Gonzales, Natalia (1,180); Kelsey Equia, Dilley (990); Makyla Paniagua, El Maton Tidehaven (965);Na Khiyah Porras, Dimmitt (965); Itzel Rojas, Monte Alto (950).

Class 1A-2A

97-pound weight class – Jakelyn Talamantes, La Pryor (695 pound total); Katarina Garza, Runge (690); Paulina Almazan, La Villa (645 pound total); Grace Suggett, Deweyville (635); Kaycei Salazar, La Villa (595).

259+ – Yaretzy Gomez, La Villa (1,050); Cora Leon, Thrall (1,020); Carrie Bixler, Hawkins (950); Alejandra Hinojosa, Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco (925); Courtney Parks, Coleman (915).

EDINBURG — The UTRGV baseball team held a two-run lead on Sam Houston through six innings before the Bearkats put together a five-run seventh en route to a 9-4 victory over the Vaqueros on Friday at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.

The Vaqueros (9-8, 1-3) and Bearkats (11-8, 4-0) will play Game 2 of their three-game series at 6:30 tonight with the finale slated for noon Sunday, both at UTRGV Baseball Stadium in Edinburg. Tonight’s game against Sam Houston is Military Appreciation Night, with free admission to active duty and retired military.

UTRGV scored one run during the first and second innings on a groundout by Montclair Cain with the bases loaded and an Isaac Lopez RBI-single for a 2-0 lead that held for four innings.

The Bearkats’ bats came alive during the seventh, however.

Sam Houston finally got to UTRGV starter Jesus Aldaz after three singles and two runs to start the inning. Relief pitcher Sebastian Mejia entered the game and hit the first batter he faced, and surrendered three more runs off two Sam Houston doubles to fall behind 5-2.

The Vaqueros scored another two runs during the seventh and eighth innings off a Sam Houston error and a Cain solo home run to right field.

After UTRGV made it a 5-4 game entering the ninth, Sam Houston put the series opener out of reach with a four-run frame.

“I thought we played a really good baseball game early. … We had the lead and I thought Aldaz pitched a great game. Our bullpen came in and didn’t get it done, and that’s just the bottom line,” UTRGV head coach Derek Matlock said. “We’re getting really beat up on 1-2 counts, 0-2 counts — we’re not making pitcher’s pitches in those counts, and the hitter’s the one that’s in trouble. Hopefully we can get that fixed over time. We’re not having anybody have success coming in here in a crooked inning. If there’s runners on they’re letting them in, and that’s a bad sign for a bullpen, so we have to clean that up. We have some good arms left this weekend with (Alex) Verdugo and Randy (Garza) and (Angelo) Cabral getting the start (today). We have to do a better job, and it’s not going to get any easier.”

Aldaz (2-2) allowed three runs off four hits and three walks, striking out three in 6 1/3 innings. Lopez led UTRGV offensively with one RBI and one run off 3-for-5 hitting. Cain finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs and one run.

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EDINBURG — UTRGV baseball is back in action this weekend with a three-game Western Athletic Conference series against Sam Houston today through Sunday at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.

Game 1 between the Vaqueros (9-7, 1-2) and Bearkats (10-8, 3-0) is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight. Game 2 starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with the series finale slated for a noon start Sunday. Saturday’s game is Military Appreciation Night with free admission to active duty and retired military.

CABRAL BREAKS THROUGH

Junior right-handed pitcher Angelo Cabral began the season coming out of the bullpen. Then, he delivered a national- and WAC pitcher of the week-winning performance in his first start of the season with a 15-strikeout game in a 9-2 win over Central Michigan on Feb. 24, allowing just two hits, two walks and no earned runs in 6 1/3 innings.

He returned to the bullpen and pitched two shutout innings with one walk and four strikeouts against Houston to earn a save and help UTRGV win the series 2-1 against the Cougars on March 5.

Now that WAC play has arrived, Cabral has taken over starting duties on Saturdays and has produced similar standout results. Although the Vaqueros lost the series 2-1 against California Baptist, Cabral led UTRGV to its only win of the weekend by pitching six shutout innings and surrendering five hits and two walks, striking out six.

Cabral (3-0) holds a team-best 1.08 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings pitched and will start the middle game for the Vaqueros against Sam Houston on Saturday.

RIVERA’S DEBUT

Four different players have started in left field for the Vaqueros in 16 games this season. The latest to step in was Sharyland Pioneer alumnus and UTRGV freshman Juan Rivera, who made his collegiate debut in left field against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday.

The Vaqueros trailed 5-0 entering the eighth inning and Rivera led the frame off with a single to left field for his first career hit. His base hit helped spark a late rally by the Vaqueros, who proceeded to score all four of their runs during the eighth. Center fielder Zerek Saenz doubled to allow Rivera to score the first run of his career.

The Pioneer product finished 1-for-3 with one walk.

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EDINBURG — Three District 31-5A teams began their day with unbeaten records in league play.

That number now stands at two after Sharyland High defeated Edinburg Vela 16-3 in six innings Wednesday night at Edinburg Vela High School.

The Rattlers (13-2, 5-0) and SaberCats (10-6, 4-1) are scheduled to play Game 2 of their District 31-5A series at 4 p.m. Thursday at Sharyland High School in Mission.

The SaberCats struck first with a three-run first inning off a bases-loaded walk by Joey Garcia and a two-run single from Randon Amador. The Rattlers went on a roll from that point on with 16 unanswered runs, however.

“Cole (Gerlach) was struggling a little bit there in the first inning, but we talked to him and he settled down and pitched his butt off today, and we just had the bats there towards the end,” Sharyland High head coach Austin Bickerton said.

Sharyland put together a five-run fifth and six-run sixth to secure the victory.

Center fielder Alejandro Islas hit a solo home run during the third, a two-run single during the fifth and a grand slam during the sixth to finish 3-for-5 with seven RBIs and two runs for the Rattlers.

“At first, I was just going with our coach’s plan of low line drives, but when I hit that first home run, I was, like, ‘Oh, the ball flies.’ My mentality was just to hit the ball and see what happens, and I got two home runs out of it,” Islas said.

Sharyland starter Cole Gerlach found a rhythm after a shaky first inning in which he gave up two hits, two walks and hit one batter, leading to Vela’s three runs. He proceeded to allow just one hit and two walks while striking out seven during the next 4 2/3 innings.

“The first inning, going into the second, I could feel myself really tense. Coach Bick did a real good job of telling me to calm down and find my rhythm, which when I started finding it in the third, fourth and fifth, I thought I did pretty well,” Gerlach said. “I struck out people I needed to strike out and my defense made good plays, so that’s all I basically needed to have a good win like this.”

Sharyland’s Santiago Soto, Nick Valdez and Gerlach each had two RBIs apiece.

Edinburg Vela will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday against the Rattlers.

“We ran into a buzzsaw today. We’ve been rolling, throwing a bunch of strikes, giving ourselves a chance. We’ve been playing pretty well, we were bound to have one,” Edinburg Vela head coach Jaime Perez said. “I think (today), we’re going to be a lot better. That’s what I told the guys. ‘It’s baseball. Flick it off and come battle tomorrow.’”

Sharyland will look to keep its unblemished district record intact with a quick turnaround.

“We can’t let our kids get complacent. They’re a well-coached team, very talented and they’re not going to lay down the next game,” Bickerton said.

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WESLACO — The Weslaco East Wildcats kept their unbeaten record in District 32-5A intact with a 6-2 victory over the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers on Tuesday at Weslaco East High School.

The Wildcats, the No. 9 team in Class 5A according to the latest Diamond Pro/Texas High School Baseball top 25, improved to 13-2 overall and 5-0 in district play with the win. The Chargers dropped to 11-4 overall and 4-1 in district.

Weslaco East pitcher Alex Solis delivered a dominant outing, allowing one hit, three walks and no earned runs while striking out 12 in 6 2/3 innings. He also finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk.

East’s Jose Rodriguez added two RBIs on 1-for-3 hitting, and Joseph Perez drove in one with a 1-for-2 day at the plate with one walk.

The Wildcats and Chargers will play Game 2 of their District 32-5A series at 7 p.m. Thursday at Brownsville Veterans High School.

DISTRICT 30-5A

LA JOYA PALMVIEW 12, RIO GRANDE CITY 3: At Rio Grande City, 30-5A competition started Tuesday night, and the defending district champion Lobos won in a big way.

Palmview starter Herminio Gonzalez held the Rattlers to one earned run in six innings of work, finishing with three hits, three walks and three strikeouts. Ezie Puente, Renzo Tamez and Tony Villarreal all recorded two RBIs apiece for Palmview.

Palmview and Rio Grande City will play Game 2 of their series at 2 p.m. Thursday at La Joya Palmview High School in Mission.

MISSION VETERANS 5, LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 4: At La Joya, the Huskies rallied with a four-run sixth inning to send the game into the seventh tied at 4. That’s when Mission Veterans’ Ethan Garza singled to score Quincy Handy in the top of the seventh for what turned out to be the game winning run.

Game 2 between the Patriots and Huskies is slated for a noon start Thursday at Mission Veterans High School.

ROMA 12, LAREDO CIGARROA 2: At Roma, the Gladiators took care of business in six innings against the Toros to start 1-0 in league play.

The Gladiators and Toros are scheduled to play Game 2 at 5 p.m. Thursday in Laredo.

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