KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN—The Harlingen High Lady Cardinals search for a new softball coach is over.

Early last month Harlingen CISD approved Josh Silva to lead the Lady Cardinal softball program.

“The hiring process was composed of several interviews and scenario situations,” Harlingen intern Athletic Director Luis Solorio said. “Coach Silva excelled at each phase of the process along with his energy and passion for the game was contagious.”

Silva spent last year at Harlingen South where he was on both the baseball and football coaching staffs.

Silva has eight years of coaching experience under his belt and has made stops at the college and high school level along the way.

“My time at Harlingen South was a great experience,” Silva said. “I owe coach Brian Ricci many thanks for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as one of his assistants.”

Prior to Harlingen South, Silva began his coaching career at Holy Cross High School in San Antonio, then made stops in Mission, McAllen and D-Bat in San Antonio.

While all of Silva’s jobs have been with baseball, making the change to softball shouldn’t be too much of a task for Harlingen’s new skipper.

“Aside from the dimensions and the speed, I really believe there are quite a few similarities between the brother and sister sport,” Silva said. “We’re going to field, throw and hit. I feel my experience in the game of baseball has prepared me for this opportunity.”

The interview process was simple for Silva who was looking to get into either baseball or softball.

“There were multiple interviews with different panels that basically gave me those involved in the hiring process,” Silva said. “It gave them the best chance to get to know me and my philosophy as well as my background.”

The Lady Cardinals went 3-7 in district play in 2019 and are hoping to find longevity in their new head coach as Silva is their third in the last three years.

In 2018 Harlingen went 5-9 in district play and last qualified for the playoffs in 2016 when the Lady Cards went 7-7 in league play. Silva will be replacing Nora Aguilar, who resigned from her position last March.

“Predictions are never made by those who work hard in my opinion,” said Silva. “They let their work show forth in competition, but I do know that a turn of the tide has come for the Lady Cardinals and there will be many things to be excited about when it comes to our program and our ladies.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

COLLEGE STATION—The La Feria Lions had some question marks heading into their state 7on7 tournament.

One of those questions was at the wide receiver position after the Lions lost two of their top targets in Noah Conde and Darius Hernandez to graduation earlier this summer.

La Feria just may have found their solution in senior wide out Caleb Flores.

Over the weekend Flores and fellow senior quarterback Dorian Hernandez showed their strong connection, especially with their deep ball.

“Caleb has been my teammate for forever; he and I are in the same class,” Hernandez said. “We have played on the same team for a long time and he and I just have that connection. He is my go-to guy on this offense and we just work together. It is something we are looking forward to come the season.”

While the combo shined at the state meet, Flores saw the chemistry relish their junior year.

“We came out here and worked hard,” Flores said. “Now we need to keep working harder as we get ready for the season. Our chemistry started our junior year; that is when I started in games and we just built a connection on and off the field. (Hernandez) does a great job on throwing me the ball and I just bring them in.”

Lions head coach Oscar Salinas was pleased with his team’s performance and saw the team answer some questions.

“We were proud of the boys, they came out and performed well over the weekend,” Salinas said. “We had some opportunities to win over the weekend. There were just some little things, but they played tough and they represented the Valley well. We showed that we have some good kids that can compete. We took a lot from this and we saw some things that we can take back with us and we can work on. We also found some kids that can go out and do things for us and we had some young receivers grow up in this tournament.”

On Friday the Lions picked up a 37-32 win over Brownwood before bowing out to Melissa 28-21, wrapping up the tournament with a 2-3 record.

The Lions led 21-7 in their final game, but let the two-score lead slip away with Brownwood rallying late for the win.

“This was a fun weekend and I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life,” Hernandez said. “We have a great team and they came out and competed. What we learned about ourselves is we have a lot of heart and we can compete with anyone.”

Rio Hondo meanwhile wrapped up their tournament play with a 28-19 loss to Jourdanton. The Bobcats finished the tournament 0-4.

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

COLLEGE STATION — After a loss and a two-hour lightning delay, La Feria shook off mother nature and the nerves to finish strong.

The Lions dropped their first game against Jim Ned 33-19 and then turned things around with a win against Hirschi 32-21 and a tough 26-20 overtime loss to Connally, finishing 1-2 on the first day of the state 7on7 tournament at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.

The Lions will be in the consolation bracket and will begin play at 8 a.m. with their opponents to be decided.

“The competition is at a high level here,” senior quarterback Dorian Hernandez said. “We weren’t ready for that first game and it hit us hard, but we were able to bounce back and we got the momentum we needed and came out with the win.”

The Lions raced out to a quick 12-0 lead against Hirschi that helped Hernandez and the offense find their rhythm. La Feria pushed their lead to 20-0 at the half with the defense pitching the first-half shutout.

“We always think that way,” Hernandez said. “We want to go into a game and get a lead so we can play comfortably towards the end and not have to worry about it.”

The entire Lions’ roster has never experienced the state tournament, so it took some time for the Lions to get settled in and gain confidence.

“Nothing changed too much,” Hernandez said. “We all talked about it with each other and we felt it was the nerves that got to us in that first game since this is our first time. We came out calm in the second game and we were able to get it done.”

RIO HONDO STRUGGLES

Much like La Feria, the Rio Hondo Bobcats entered the state 7on7 tournament as one of the younger teams.

The Bobcats put together a strong showing against the defending Division II 7on7 champs in a 31-21 loss to Heritage to open up pool play.

The day didn’t get any easier for the Bobcats as they dropped their second game against Dumas 35-12 and Columbia 26-20 to finish the day 0-3

Rio Hondo will now be in the consolation bracket and will kickoff at 8 a.m. this morning with their opponents to be decided.

“I enjoy coming out here and competing,” senior defender Sam Villines said. “We just didn’t do so hot. We will be fine; we will adjust. Our defense is one thing we need to improve on. We weren’t going 100 percent out there.”

With a roster filled with underclassman, Villines and fellow incoming senior Joey Ortega have taken on the leadership role on defense.

“We just need to lead by example,” Villines said. “If we do well they will do well, or if we do bad they will do bad, so we need to step up.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

For a second time in program history, the Rio Hondo Bobcats will take their talents to the state 7-on-7 tournament in College Station.

The Bobcats punched their ticket earlier this month after completing a 4-0 record at the McAllen state qualifying tournament. They are heading to Aggieland for the first time since 2017.

While the 2017 team was filled with household names like Tyler Bush, Erik Pizarro and Danny Vasquez, this year’s group of Bobcats is looking to build a name for itself.

The tournament will be held at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station. Division II and III will kick off Thursday and run through Friday. Division I play begins Friday and wraps up Saturday.

In fact, there is just one remaining member from the 2017 team. Incoming senior linebacker Joey Ortega returns to College Station for the first time since his sophomore campaign. Ortega will look to anchor the Bobcats’ defense with hybrid defender Sam Villines.

“We are just trying to fit the younger guys in where they can get some more experience and succeed,” Ortega said. “We are working on getting their confidence, too, and so far everything has been working.”

The Bobcats won their pool to reach the state tournament. Along the way, Rio Hondo beat Santa Gertrudis 25-21 and Bandera 27-14. The big win came when Rio Hondo beat rival Raymondville 28-19, and then it wrapped up play with a 40-18 thrashing of Hidalgo.

Directing the offense is incoming sophomore Zechariah Rios. The youngster sees the opportunity at state as a way to improve on the offense in preparation for the upcoming season and his first year as the starter.

“We are adjusting to help each other work as a team,” Rios said. “There is room for improvement for sure, and as a quarterback I’m working on getting on the same page with my receivers. This is a big accomplishment, and I am grateful to lead this team. I’m ready to give my 100 percent this year and use my knowledge of the game to help this team win.”

Rio Hondo will be in Pool B and will be playing on Field 3. In its pool will be Columbia, Dumas and Heritage.

The Bobcats first matchup will be against Midlothian Heritage at 1 p.m. Thursday. Heritage is back in College Station for the fourth straight year and are last years defending champs. Columbia and Dumas, meanwhile, are making their state debuts.

“I am most excited to a part of the state experience with my football brothers,” Rios said. “This will help me improve my game since I will be playing against some of the best when we get out there.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

The La Feria Lions are heading back to the state 7-on-7 tournament in College Station.

La Feria punched their ticket this past Saturday at the McAllen state qualifying tournament after posting a perfect 4-0 record in pool play.

The state tourney is scheduled for, June 27 and 28 for both division II and division III schools. Division I games are scheduled for June 28 and 29. All the games will be played at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.

The road to state was simple for the Lions: win their pool and they’d be in.

The Lions rolled past Port Isabel 47-2 and squeaked past Goliad 27-26 before picking up another close win, topping Splendora 28-21.

“Over the first three games, we just needed to find a rhythm offensively,” La Feria quarterback Dorian Hernandez said. “We used short routes and we used different routes like out and crossing routes. Our defense had also played a hell of a game throughout the first three games. They held their ground and forced turnovers when we needed them, too.”

Entering the final game against Rockport Fulton, the Lions needed one more win to seal their trip to state.

While Rockport roared out to a 26-6 halftime lead, the Lions didn’t fold, rallying for 22 points in the second half while the defense pitched the shut out to secure a 28-26 comeback win.

“Rockport got the momentum early in the first half and in the second, half our defense didn’t let up,” Hernandez said. “They shut them out in the second half and on offense, we found our rhythm and we came back and picked up the win.”

At the half, defensive captain Jaden Torres had a message for Hernandez that helped fuel the second half comeback.

“He picked up our offense and he told me, ‘Come on kid you are our leader, lead us back in this game and lead us to this comeback,” Hernandez recalled. “That is what he told me and we were able to get things going.”

The Lions will make their third appearance at the state tournament after qualifying in 2015 and 2016.

The 2019 squad will make their state debut next week and is relishing the moment.

“It was a phenomenal comeback and an amazing feeling to get that win and make state,” Hernandez said. “This is something that I hadn’t done before and nobody on the team has been there either, so it is a big accomplishment for us as a team; everyone was proud.”

La Feria still doesn’t know who they will meet in the tournament, but the competition is something Hernandez and company are looking forward to.

“I’m mostly excited about the competition because I’m a competitive guy at heart,” Hernandez said. “I’m also excited about the equipment we are going to get and I’m just excited for the guys to get that experience. Also, we are excited for the young guys for them to make it and get some experience for the future. Overall, this will help us prepare for the upcoming season.”

VMS All-STAR Softball: Saucedo has breakout year

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The 2019 softball season saw plenty of young softball talent come through in different ways. Harlingen South received an upgrade on its roster when freshman Iliana Saucedo arrived.

Saucedo and older sister Alexa moved back home to Harlingen after living in Florida. The two broke onto the softball scene and helped Harlingen South make another run to the Sweet 16. The Lady Hawks needed an arm in the circle to team with sophomore pitcher Kylie Ruiz, and they looked for another bat in an already deep South lineup.

Iliana Saucedo’s breakout year earned her the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Newcomer of the Year.

“ This means a lot,” she said. “I have dedicated a lot of time into softball and my work is paid off because I spent a lot of time here at the field.”

Saucedo filled in the circle and served as the team’s designated player. It didn’t take long for her to fill in and contribute.

“ I think when we were at the Laredo tournament, that is when I felt I was connecting and bonding with the team,” Saucedo said. “We were all eating at Peter Piper and we were just talking together and I felt then we were all together as one team.”

In the circle, Saucedo went 13-2 with 88 strikeouts in 79.6 innings of work, managing a 3.95 ERA. While Saucedo threw hard from the circle, it was her offense that separated her.

The young slugger slashed .420 with a team-high 12 home runs, four triples, 47 hits, 31 runs and legged out 12 doubles. The only other player in the district that hit more homers was Los Fresnos’ Reba Reyes who smashed 16 long balls.

Saucedo is a part of a special group of freshman and sophomores that range across the Harlingen area. While she has one full year under her belt, she believes the best is yet to come with the young crop of talent within the district.

“ If you think about Harlingen High, they had seven freshmen on their team and about four or five of them were starters this season,” she said. “Here at South we have some sophomores and freshmen, too, and we all made it work and filled in, and made it to the fourth round despite our youth. However, I do think in the next few years it will be more challenging with the rest of our district because we will all be much better.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Senior shortstop Krystal Gonzales wrapped up a stellar career in a Harlingen South Lady Hawks uniform in 2019.

Gonzales was part of a team that made the playoffs in each of her four seasons, and she made a position change in the process.

The star short stop is the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Most Valuable Player.

“ Coach (Elias) Martinez told me I won the award when we were at school,” Gonzales said. “He told me he was proud of me, and it was a special moment for me. The first person I told was my brother. He was on the coaching staff this year, and he has helped me become the player I am today.”

Gonzales is described as a player who just wants the ball in her hands with the game on the line. She proved that time and again throughout her senior season.

Despite South not winning a district title in her time there, Gonzales reached the Sweet 16 twice, including in her senior season. After playing catcher her first two seasons, Gonzales made the move to her natural position, which is shortstop.

Gonzales batted third in a stacked South lineup and anchored the defense. She batted .457 on the season with eight homers, 12 doubles with 49 hits and 58 runs.

Gonzales has had quite the month. The Lady Hawks’ playoff run was followed with Gonzales signing to play softball at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, and then graduation.

“ This wrapped up my high school career and now I have to get ready for the college level, so I’ll see what is in store for me,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales will head to Austin in the fall but has left a legacy and winning tradition at Harlingen South.

“ I feel like with the girls we have here at South, someone will always step up,” Gonzales said. “Everyone will have their role and each one of them is special, and I think they will be fine in the future.”

2019 ALL-STAR SOFTBALL TEAM

Most Valuable Player

Krystal Gonzales, Harlingen South

Offensive player of the year

Jordan Ramos, San Benito

Defensive Player of the Year

Domo De Jesus, Rio Hondo

Pitcher of the year

Erika Cortez, Rio Hondo

Newcomer of the year

Iliana Saucedo, Harlingen South

Coach of the year

Brett Esparza, Rio Hondo

First Team

1B: Alyssa Ledesma, Harlingen South

2B: Kelsey Rivera, Harlignen South

SS: April Garcia, San Benito

3B: Rachel Muniz, Raymondville

OF: Kytana Muniz, Harlingen South

OF: Natasha Canales, Harlingen South

OF: AJ Jasso, , San Benito

Catcher: Jessica Cruz, Lyford

Pitcher: Nana Carrizales, San Benito

Designated Player: Jaeyln Huerta, San Benito

Second Team

1B: Karla Medina, Lyford

2B: Sarah Garcia, San Benito

SS Kelsey Pizarro, Rio Hondo

3B Alexa Saucedo, Harlingen South

OF: Kate Garza, San Benito

OF: Savanna Gonzalez, Rio Hondo

OF: Kayla Rogers, Harlingen South

Catcher: Abbie Torris, Rio Hondo

Pitcher: Jerrica Rojas, Lyford

Honorable Mention

Eneli Garza, La Feria

Faith Mckenzie, La Feria

Zoe Rosas, Harlingen High

Emily Garcia, Harlingen High

Nayeli Garcia, Rio Hondo

Christina Arellano, Harlingen South

Kari Cisneros, San Benito

Kylie Ruiz, Harlingen South

Megan Cavazos, San Benito

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Sophomore Jordan Ramos has grown up around the game of softball and knowing what San Benito softball is all about.

When Ramos arrived to San Benito as a freshman, she sat behind Joanna Gonzalez, the starting catcher for San Benito last season. Ramos remained patient and watched and learned from Gonzalez.

One year later, Ramos stepped into the starting role at the catcher position and thrived in her second year as a Lady Greyhounds player.

“ A lot of us have played select ball together and have been able to make the transition from playing select ball to the varsity. This is what we were taught to do growing up, and that was getting ready for the varsity.”

With her strong sophomore season, Ramos was named the Valley Morning Star 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Offensive Player of the Year.

“ Coach (Denise) Lira told me the news at our team barbecue, and I was just shocked and excited that I was able to win this award,” she said. “I was confused at first, I wasn’t sure what the award meant, and I knew I had a great year, but for me to get recognized by it is special.”

Ramos batted in the middle of the Lady ’Hounds’ order and provided plenty of pop. The hard-hitting righty hit .457 with eight homers, 48 RBIs and 43 hits.

“ I understood that there is always pressure, but it is OK to make a mistake, you just have to shake it off,” Ramos said. “You just need to go out there and do your thing, someone is always watching you and cheering for you, and they are always looking at you, making sure you are doing your job.”

Ramos quickly meshed with freshman Jaelyn Huerta. The two provided San Benito a strong 1-2 punch in the heart of the lineup. Huerta hit .432 with 11 homers and 32 hits, driving in 31 runs.

“ My approach is hit middle away, that is what I was taught,” Ramos said. “I just take a deep breath, and if I just do everything I do in practice I will be fine.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

Senior right handed pitcher Erika Cortez will go down as one of the best pitchers in Rio Hondo despite her limited time in a Lady Bobcats uniform. The hard-throwing righty overcame a turbulent past and helped fill in the missing piece for the Lady Bobcats.

With a dominant 1.78 ERA, 178 strikeouts in 110 innings and an 11-3 record, Cortez has been named the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Pitcher of the Year. She was joined on the All-STAR team superlatives list by Lady Bobcats coach Brett Esparza (coach of the year) and sophomore Domo De Jesus (defensive player of the year).

“ Winning pitcher of the year means a lot to me,” Cortez said. “A lot of people don’t realize how hard I work and how hard I have pushed myself, and after all those ice baths after games. It didn’t matter what time I got home, I made sure to take an ice bath. This all helped me realize that my work is paying off and people can see it.”

Cortez, who is originally from Rio Hondo, began her high school career at San Benito. After her freshman year, she transferred to Edinburg High, where she played on the junior varsity her sophomore year and then the varsity her junior year.

Cortez arrived in Rio Hondo in mid-February after transferring from Edinburg High. Cortez later made her official debut March 5 at rival Zapata. The senior got right to work with a complete game, yielding nine hits and surrendering four runs (two earned), walking one and striking out 16.

Her debut foreshadowed what was to come for Cortez and the Lady ’Cats in 2019. She was instrumental in the dugout and on the field and eventually helped Rio Hondo to a sixth straight district title and a trip to the Sweet 16.

When Cortez arrived in Rio Hondo, it got the attention of the younger girls on the team. Cortez quickly became a voice in the dugout and eventually took the circle.

“ Honestly I didn’t realize I made such a big impact on the girls,” Cortez said. “They would just ask me for helping with anything. I would just stop and help break it down for them. I didn’t expect moving back here and my family and I made a choice, and I ended up here and I really enjoyed myself here in Rio Hondo. When I would go home, my mom would remind me that me coming back to Rio Hondo was God’s plan and my coach would tell me it was my destiny to come back.”

TOP DEFENDER

Heading into the 2019 season, Rio Hondo had some pieces it needed to fill. Among those positions was center field and middle infield spots. With the lineup being shuffled, Esparza looked to sophomore Domo De Jesus.

De Jesus played the middle infield, spent time in the circle was asked to take the center field position. While it took a few weeks for De Jesus to get used to the new position, she thrived and anchored the Rio Hondo outfield.

De Jesus became a utility weapon for Rio Hondo, playing four different positions and not committing an error, finishing with a fielding percentage of 1.000 and recording 35 outs.

With her versatility, De Jesus was named the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 All-STAR Softball Defensive Player of the Year.

“ Coach Esparza called me over the phone and told me the news,” De Jesus said. “I was surprised when I got the news. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was happy I got it. My aunt was the first person I told, and it was great knowing my family supports me.”

Making the move from the middle infield to the outfield wasn’t as difficult as De Jesus had imagined. She made her center field debut against Zapata, and the next game against Raymondville, De Jesus felt confident in her ability to play the position.

“ I dove for a ball and missed it, but I knew if I were to dive again, I would get it,” De Jesus said. “That field in Raymondville is one of the bigger outfields we play on, and I knew if I could cover the ground here I would be able to do it anywhere.”

FIELD MANAGER

In his ninth year at the helm, Rio Hondo reached the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years. While the 2017 club reached the regional final and just had a special feel to it, the 2019 team rekindled that magic.

Esparza had the talent, it was a matter of putting the pieces in play. Rio Hondo won its sixth straight district title with a 13-1 record and finished with a 27-12-1 overall mark. Along with the district title came bi-district, area and regional quarterfinal titles.

Rio Hondo again proved to be one of the top programs in the Rio Grande Valley and was one of three teams remaining in the playoffs. Esparza was named the Valley Morning Star 2019 All-STAR Softball Coach of the Year.

“ To win this award in this area means a lot,” Esparza said. “For me, personally, I feel this area is the best area for high school softball and almost in the state. When you take the Harlingens, the San Benitos, Lyfords and Los Fresnos, all those teams play quality softball, and for us to win this award means a lot to my staff and I.”

Esparza’s coaching staff is a unique one and filled with coaching experience. His wife, Lizzette Esparza, this season joined the coaching staff, which includes longtime coach Debbie Esparza.

In the Lady Bobcats’ final win of the 2019 season against Fredricksburg in the Sweet 16, Esparza picked up career win 205.

MARK MOLINA | STAFF WRITER

Since middle school Lopez’s Alex and Lexi Castro have always played on the same softball team and donned the same softball uniform.

That will once again be the case when the duo takes the field for the East squad in Saturday’s Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association East-West All-Star softball game.

The only difference is this time, it could be the last time they’ll share the field as their future plans remain undecided.

“Now that I think about it, if it is our last game together, it’s going to be very special,” Lexi said. “(Alex) and I have been a duo since middle school and even earlier than that. If Saturday is our last game, then I’ll take it and we’ll see what happens.”

Now graduated seniors, the twin duo can’t recall many games in which they didn’t share the field with one another.

For Lexi, playing alongside a sister has become synonymous with the game itself.

That hasn’t completely been the case for Alex, who was the lone Castro on the field for much of the 2018 season while Lexi nursed a torn ACL.

To say Alex noticed the difference is an understatement, despite Lexi always around in a walking boot

“Our junior year, (Lexi) tore her ACL and it was pretty hard for me,” Alex said. “I didn’t have her there as my rock. She’s always been there for me, so when she tore her ACL, that just rocked my confidence in what I did for the team.”

Lopez still managed to make the postseason that year for the second straight season.

Still, the presence of the Castro twins has meant so much more for the Lopez softball program, as they have been the cornerstones of the program’s only two postseason berths in history.

The twin duo appreciates the distinction more because they were able to carry the program together.

“It was special,” Lexi said. “(Alex) and I have gone through everything together since we were small, including all our games from little league to now. It’s special to have that really strong bond with her.”

Alex believes that without Lexi and that bond, the Lopez program isn’t quite the same.

“It was an interesting run,” Alex said. “If (Lexi) and I would not have been there helping out Lopez, it would have been a different story. But we went there, we tried our best. We did everything we could to take the team to a whole other level. Lexi and I were really proud of ourselves to help that program get recognized.”

The Castro sisters will add a couple of powerful bats to the East lineup.

Lexi posted a .542 batting average, while Alex followed by hitting .519. The pair combined for 80 hits, 59 RBIs and 57 runs scored.

With solid numbers, the Castro twins are looking to make their final high school game a memorable one.

Both Lexi and Alex hold out hope that Saturday will not be their final game together.

But if that is indeed the case, they know they will go their own separate ways with each other’s support.

“WeIl, I hope it’s not our last game together,” Lexi said. “We plan to go to college together. If we go to separate colleges, I’ll be really upset, but at the same time, I’ll be glad because we’ll each get to meet new people. (Alex) has been there with me through everything. I love her so much and she’s the greatest ballplayer and whoever takes her in college is very lucky to have her.”

“Me and (Lexi) have been together for a long time,” Alex added. “I am proud of her. It’s going to be emotional if this is our last game playing together. I’m hoping we go to the same college, but we might go our different ways. If we end up going to different colleges, it’s going to be a whole other story and different for both of us.”