KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — For senior catcher Joanna Gonzalez, softball just comes natural.

It’s where she thrives. And it’s also between the lines that she carries a swagger and leadership that are second to none.

Gonzalez is a home grown product of San Benito and attended her first Lady Hounds softball game when she was just a kid. Gonzalez looked on at what could be and eventually would be.

Gonzalez’s older sister Jennifer Gonzalez played outfield for the Lady Hounds; that too motivated Gonzalez to one day wear the purple and gold.

“When I was just a kid my parents brought me to the games, and I remember then I said to myself, ‘I want to be a Hound’ seeing the games and seeing my sister play just inspired me more to play for San Benito.”

In 2015 San Benito made their second trip to the state UIL tournament. Three years later, Gonzalez is one of the three seniors that were on that 2015 roster. Audrey Huerta and Deztiny Hernandez are the other two.

Gonzalez is a four-year letterman who has played a number of positions. Outfield her freshman year under former San Benito coach Elias Martinez then third base her sophomore year for former coach Kristy Leal. Last year, as a junior, Gonzalez made the move to catcher; replacing Kim Harper who called the balls and strikes for four years.

Now in her final season Gonzalez is playing catcher for a second year and playing for a third coach in new skipper Denise Lira.

Through the different transitions Gonzalez remains calm and collected and continues to thrive.

Coach Lira had high praise for her senior back stop.

“The first time I met Jo earlier this year I was familiar with her and what she was doing with travel ball, but never did I envision her being the person to lead this team and put so much on her shoulders and bring energy to this team,” Lira said. “Even if she were to sit and do nothing she still brings energy and confidence to our team. She is a lot of fun to have, she knows how to handle the pressure and as a coach you can’t teach those things.

“Those things come from the way she was raised and her travel ball coaches and just her being her. Her motivation this year has driven her to be one of the best and she is one of the best I’ve ever coached.”

In July Gonzalez lost her father, Juan Ramon Gonzalez and over the next few months she found herself at a cross roads and the thought of playing softball wasn’t in her mind. Gonzalez even thought of hanging up her cleats, because she played the game for her dad who was her biggest supporter and fan.

“When I lost him, it was unexpected, it was a roller coaster,” Gonzalez said. “I didn’t know what to do, I thought for a while if I should quit, because I played for my dad, but I knew he wouldn’t want that. I always wanted to play college ball for myself, but now I want to do it for my dad.

“It was rock bottom for me losing him. Meagan (Ybarra), Aaliyah (Rangel) and Deztiny really helped me get through some tough times, they kept me stable.”

Gonzalez has put together one of her best seasons yet, and has been a driving force behind the plate and has the Lady Hounds back in the sweet 16 for the first time since her freshman season.

Prior to games, during the national anthem Gonzalez takes a moment to look up at the flag and the sky, knowing her dad is right there with her.

“Having my mom in the stands means everything,” said Gonzalez. “In some part my dad is there with her, when I see her I see him right there with her. I see him right beside her.”

Gonzalez and the Lady Hounds take the field tonight in the class 6A regional semi-finals against New Braunfels Canyon in a one-game playoff at Sinton High School. First pitch is at 7:30 p.m.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — For a second straight day, Harlingen High saw another student athlete sign a letter of intent and secure their college future.

On Thursday in front of family, coaches and friends senior Jasmyn Tulloch signed her letter of intent to run track just down the road in Edinburg at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“I never thought I could run at the next level,” Tulloch said. “My coaches believed in me and motivated me. Right now it just doesn’t feel real.”

Earlier this year at the Meet of Champs, Tulloch won the 300 meter hurdles and it caught the attention of UTRGV track coach Otis McDaniel.

“After I won the 300, Coach McDaniel came up to me and told me he was interested, and it eventually led to me signing with UTRGV. At first I didn’t see myself competing at the college level, but I excelled on the track so I knew then I could do it.”

Tulloch who was a four year letterman wrapped up a strong career at Harlingen High. She was a regional qualifier and two time district and area champion.

“My advice to Jasmyn would be to stay focused and disciplined,” said Harlingen track coach Hiskel Woolery. “In college there can be so many distractions around you, so it is important to stay focused on the task. I live in Edinburg so I do plan on checking up on her. She has meant a great deal to our program. She has opened the door for other athletes to run the hurdles and show the girls that we can compete against the best.”

Tulloch plans to major in exercise science and to be a physical therapist.

“I’m super excited that I will be competing close to home,” Tulloch said. “I will still be able to see my family and friends. The work load on the school side will be tough and trying to adjust to a new coach and a whole new set of teammates.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Junior Sarah Garcia is quite the athlete. Garcia spends time at second base, shortstop and in the circle. During the fall, Garcia also plays volleyball and is one of the top libero’s in the district.

This year Garcia has had some playoff success, on the court Garcia helped guide the volleyball team to a bi-district title and currently has had a key hand in the Lady Hounds’ march to the Sweet 16.

Garcia will make her Sweet 16 debut Friday when the Lady Hounds take the field. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Garcia.

—

Q: Making the sweet 16 for the first time as a junior what does that mean to you?

SARAH: It is a great accomplishment that I have always dreamed of achieving and making this sweet 16 has changed my perspective of hard work and dedication. Also, it means a lot to me to make it this far with a group of girls that I’ve grown up with.

Q: Do you have any particular music you listen to before a game?

SARAH: No, I click shuffle and let it play.

Q: What is the best part of playing short stop?

SARAH: I’ve grown up playing shortstop so it’s just how I feel in love with the game.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

SARAH: My cleats! My cleats are torn right now and I refuse to wear my new ones because of the juju. Also I never untie them I always just slip them on and off.

Q: Who is your pick to win the NCAA Woman’s College World Series?

SARAH: I don’t have any team in particular, but I would like a Texas team to take it!

Q: I phone or Android?

SARAH: IPhone all the way baby!

Q: Tell us something we might not know about you?

SARAH: I have one older brother that I love so much and a dog named Lola who is my baby.

Q: What are you currently binge watching?

SARAH: I am currently watching vampire diaries! It’s great!

Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?

SARAH: A superpower I would like to have would be to read people’s minds.

Q: If you could play another sport what would it be?

SARAH: I would play soccer! I played when I was small and I miss playing so much!

Q: Favorite breakfast taco?

SARAH: My favorite breakfast taco is chorizo and egg.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

SARAH: My biggest pet peeve would have to be when people chew with their mouth open.

Q: What field has been the toughest place to play?

SARAH: I do not like playing on fields where the pitching mounds are not maintained properly.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Senior Kaylee Gushwa secured her college future Wednesday afternoon. The senior midfielder signed her letter of intent to play soccer at Central Christian College of Kansas in McPherson, Kansas.

“I’m really excited,” said Gushwa. “This is something I have been working hard for and I’m ready to play at the next level. Ever since I was six years old, I’ve always wanted to play college soccer.”

Gushwa was a four-year letterman and also played basketball. Gushwa overcame a series of injuries early in her career but overcame those odds and had a stellar senior season for the Lady Cards.

“She (Kaylee) has meant a lot to our program, she came out and had a strong year for us,” said Lady Cardinals coach Debra Galvan. “She worked jobs and still managed to come to practice and games. One time she missed her hair appointment for prom, because she was dedicated to showing up to our game that same night.”

Gushwa was this year’s team captain and was academic all-state, 32-6A honorable mention as a midfielder and was selected to play in the RGV All-Star game.

This year Harlingen High made their return to the playoffs after a six-year absence. The Lady Cards finished with a 11-3 league record and beat Edinburg Vela in the bi-district round before bowing out against McAllen High in the area round.

“It’s going to be a challenge, I need to work on my height and strength,” Gushwa said. “This year was great for us because coach Galvan did a great job and I loved playing with my team we always had each other’s backs. My advice to the younger girls would be to keep your grades up and always put in extra work.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Just two softball teams from the Valley are alive in the playoffs. Edinburg Vela and San Benito will each take the field Friday with a trip to the Class 6A Region IV regional final on the line.

The Lady Hounds meanwhile have drawn their toughest challenge yet in New Braunfels Canyon. San Benito is coming off a sweep in the regional quarterfinals against Eagle Pass.

Junior ace Nana Carrizales has brought her best stuff for the postseason.

In their bi-district win against Edinburg North, Carrizales threw a two hit complete game shutout, struck out eight and took a perfect game into the fifth inning. In her last start against Eagle Pass, Carrizales threw 6.2 innings and fanned seven batters.

Carrizales and the Lady Hounds aim to keep their season alive Friday in a one-game playoff with the first pitch set for 7:30 p.m.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the Lady Hounds ace.

Q: Walk us through your game day routine, do you keep it the same?

NANA: Usually on game day I have a pregame snack, start my stretches then get into my warm up routine. It pretty much stays the same.

Q: Do you have any particular music you listen to before a game?

NANA: No not really, I usually go into a game with a clear mind preparing myself mentally for the challenge of the game ahead.

Q: What is the best part of being a pitcher?

NANA: I’m going to use a quote for the answer, “A pitcher doesn’t fight because she hates the enemy in front of her. She fights because she loves the people behind her.” I take pride in having the best defense in the state.

Q: Tell us about the work that goes behind being a pitcher?

NANA: To keep it short a lot of hours during the week.

Q: Who is your pick to win the NCAA Woman’s College World Series?

NANA: UCLA.

Q: You wear the number 21, any meaning behind that number?

NANA: It was a number that was assigned to me my sophomore year and I stuck with it.

Q: Tell us something we might not know about you?

NANA: My real name is Eliana.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

NANA: I honestly don’t watch much TV anymore but when I do I watch Street Outlaws OKC.

Q: If you could meet any celebrity who would it be?

NANA: Dak Prescott because of his work ethic and his leadership qualities.

Q: If you could play another sport what would it be?

NANA: Power lifting.

Q: Favorite color of Gatorade?

NANA: Lemon-Lime.

Q: What is your go to order at Whataburger?

NANA: A number seven no bun oil, no onions, extra mustard, sliced jalapenos.

Q: Do you believe in UFO’s?

NANA: No, absolutely not.

Kevin Narro | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The Lady Hounds are sending another wrestler to the college level.

Thursday afternoon Miriam De La Garza became the latest San Benito athlete to sign their name on the dotted line as she will continue her wrestling career at Schreiner University in Kerrville.

De La Garza is the third San Benito athlete to sign a letter of intent at Schreiner joining basketball star Miranda Vallejo and De La Garza will also join fellow teammate Camron Rodriguez who signed his letter of intent last month.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m ready,” said De La Cruz. “This wasn’t a goal of mine until this year. I visited campus and I liked the environment and it’s a small school and I like that. I plan on majoring in pre-med and Schreiner has that available for me.

“I’m excited to join Camron. I’ll have someone that I know and we are excited to go up there together and we are looking forward to helping each other out.”

De La Garza spent three seasons on the team and went 21-5 during her senior season. She also served as one of the team’s captains.

“Our program is getting attention state wide,” said San Benito coach Crispin Lopez. “We have been successful and have made trips to regionals and state. It’s a great opportunity for our athletes to get a chance to compete at the college level and to take advantage of a scholarship.”

This year De La Garza fell one win shy of qualifying for regionals, but served as a regional alternate.

“My best advice to Miriam would be to budget her time,” Lopez said. “These opportunities don’t come around too often, so it’s important for her to take advantage of this opportunity, not only for herself but to open doors for other athletes in our program.

“She led by example, she was very stable and reliable. The fact that she is signing today is a plus for our program and it says a lot about her character.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

At the start of the 2018 softball season, the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats entered with very high expectations.

Last season was a groundbreaking year with the Lady Cats reaching the region finals for the first time in program history.

Five seniors, who were all a part of last year’s postseason journey, returned this season and were surrounded by sophomores and freshmen.

The freshman group, in particular, was looked at like babies: young, green and full of potential.

At the start of the season, head coach Brett Esparza issued each senior a “baby.” The seniors’ job was to make sure their particular baby didn’t forget her visor or stirrups, and that all the equipment was packed and ready.

It was a role the five seniors embraced because they knew that they were helping to build the next wave of talent.

On Saturday, this talented and hard-working group of seniors wrapped things up at Rio Hondo as the Lady Cats fell to Cuero in a best-of-3 regional quarterfinal series.

Annie Alvarado, who was looked at as the “mother hen” of the bunch, followed by her twin sister, Abbie Alvarado, along with Bianca Cruz, Atheny Orozco and April Adames all bid adieu to their high school softball careers.

“It has been a blessing to have this group of seniors,” Esparza said. “When you think about our season and everything we did, it was only possible to have the season we had because of the five seniors we had. This group was able to lead us to the third round and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to coach this senior group.”

Through their four years, they were part of a district title each year and finished with a 53-3 district record.

Both Alvarados will continue their softball careers at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, joining former teammates Jenny Flores and Alexa Castellanos.

“This program means so much to me. We built a tradition here and I hope the younger girls can continue that tradition,” Annie said. “We couldn’t have done it without Coach Esparza, our teammates and our community. They’re great and I will miss them.

“For the younger girls, even though this is our ending, it’s only their beginning. They’re great players and I have watched them grow from the start of the season. They filled in big roles and did big things for our team.”

Cruz will also continue her career at the college level as she became the first female athlete from Rio Hondo to sign a Division I letter of intent to play ball at Prairie View A&M University

“There is a lot of heart in this program,” Cruz said. “Our coaches, players and school put a lot of effort into this wonderful game. It was an honor and blessing being able to play softball for this program. The youngsters saw this year that nothing is impossible. Yes, the season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but everything happens for a reason and even with this (latest) loss, I think they will come out stronger and even better for the next few years.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN ANTONIO — The San Benito Lady Hounds overcame the heat and rallied for a 5-4 Game 2 win to sweep Eagle Pass out of the playoffs and advance to the Class 6A regional semifinals for the first time since 2015.

The Lady Hounds will now meet a familiar RGV adversary in New Braunfels Canyon sometime next week.

“This series, the girls showed true resilience,” said San Benito coach Denise Lira. “They showed determination and they fought to get through some tough innings. The kids have truly grown so much and I feel like one of our best qualities is to fight.”

Tied at three heading into the top of the seventh inning, both San Benito and Eagle Pass exchanged leads. But a two-out double by Sarah Garcia sparked a Lady Hounds’ rally as Garcia scored the go-head run after a throwing error by EP’s catcher allowed her to score from second. AJ Jasso later drew a bases-loaded walk that scored Deztiny Hernandez and gave the Lady Hounds a 5-3 lead.

“Throughout the week, there are off days and then there are good days, which we’re just on. But that’s how it is with every team,” senior Joanna Gonzalez said. “When we were down, we continued to fight. We take it one out at a time and we got it done.”

Early on, however, it was Eagle Pass that got out to a quick 1-0 lead thanks to a solo home run by Alexandra Martinez. But in the top of the second, Jasso belted a two run homer over the center field wall that gave the Lady Hounds a 2-1 advantage.

Jasso was sharp at the plate going 2 for 2 with a double, a walk and two runs scored. Jasso, who is a junior, is in the Sweet 16 for the first time in her career, but is no stranger to the fourth round as her older sister, Amber Jasso, was a part of the 2015 state semifinalist squad.

“It’s a great feeling to make the Sweet 16; it hasn’t hit me yet,” Jasso said. “My sister made it and now I can say that I made it, too. It’s a crazy feeling to be here. We have all worked hard to get to this point.”

Junior pitcher Nana Carrizales shined in the circle for the Lady Hounds. Carrizales threw 6.2 innings and whiffed seven batters. From the second through the fourth innings, Carrizales retired nine of the 11 batters she faced and had her off-speed pitches working.

Eagle Pass rallied in the final inning and scored on a bases-loaded walk with two outs. Carrizales recorded the first two outs of the frame then Sarah Garcia came in and struck out the final batter to seal the win.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of our team,” Lira said. “Over the season they have worked through obstacles and have worked on their mental game along with improving their skills on the field. We’re going to enjoy this win then get back to work on Monday to prepare for another tough opponent next week.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Edinburg Vela used a three-run third inning behind a home run by Gabriella Villarreal and a two-run single from Darissa Buenrostro in a 5-3 win over Harlingen South in a one-game Class 6A regional quarterfinal on Friday at Lady Hawk Field.

“I’m proud of the girls and what they did all year long,” said South coach Elias Martinez. “Every year you go through the good times and you go through the bad times; tonight we were down and we battled back like we always have. We made some errors that hurt us, and she (Vela’s Naomi) Reyes can pitch very well. She did a great job for Vela tonight.”

Reyes allowed just two hits through her first four innings of work and kept the Lady Hawks at bay.

In the fourth and fifth innings, Reyes ran into some trouble as South managed to get two runners on base, but couldn’t capitalize.

In the fifth, South broke through and scored three runs cutting into the lead at 4-3.

South’s Natasha Canales drove in the first two runs on a double. Kaitlynn De La Fuente followed with an RBI double of her own, but that was a close as the Lady Hawks got. Vela later added an insurance run in the sixth extending its lead back to two runs.

Despite the loss, South will only bid farewell to three seniors in De La Fuente, Caitlyn Hejl and Daisy Gallegos.

The Lady Hawks will have plenty of key pieces returning next year led by shortstop Krystal Gonzales, Melba Rodriguez and Kytana Muniz.

“Coach Martinez has meant so much to me as a player and as person,” Hejl said. “I have become a better person because of him. This program is great. We went from losing in the first round to making deep playoff runs and that is special. I want the younger girls to continue that tradition and to remember the feeling of losing, and taking off your cleats for the last time as a senior. It hurts, but I hope to see them continue the tradition.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — When April Adames was 7 years old and Nayeli Garcia was 6, the two played Little League softball for the Dirt Divas. That’s where their friendship began.

Just over 10 years later and the duo is a part of the Rio Hondo Lady Cats softball team, and has been a key part of the team’s infield. This year Adames is a senior and plays first base while Garcia is a sophomore and plays third base.

Adames made her return to Rio Hondo this year after moving to Kansas her junior year. Prior to that, she grew up and played softball in Rio Hondo.

“I started the year at shortstop, but I moved to first base after Kayla (Castaneda) got hurt. I was able to fit in and felt comfortable, and I was able to contribute and help my team make plays. At first I was unsure when Coach told me, but I played first my freshman and sophomore seasons so it was just a matter of getting back in the grove, and it was like riding a bike.”

Through 16 games this season, Adames is batting .400 with 16 hits and 18 RBIs. Meanwhile Garcia bats leadoff and is batting an impressive .476 with 40 hits, 33 RBIs and 39 runs scored.

The corner infielders have developed a strong chemistry and despite this year being their first year together on varsity, the two haven’t missed a beat.

“When I play third, I would say, ‘hey, more action for me; third base is the place to be,’” Garcia said. “I love getting the ball and making the play across the diamond. On my select team I played first and pitched, but when I came to high school I always thought of playing third and Coach (Brett) Esparza gave me a shot to play third, and I’m glad he did because I love playing the position.”

Despite Adames moving to Kansas, Garcia and she and Adames’ relationship didn’t skip a beat. Once Adames returned home to Rio Hondo, the two picked up where they left off from their childhood.

Their friendship off the field has translated over to the field smoothly and currently has the Lady Cats in the regional quarterfinals where they’ll face Cuero in a best-of-3 series beginning tonight at Tuloso-Midway High School.

Last season, Garcia was a freshman and was a part of the team that advanced to the Region IV-4A final team. This year Adames is eager to be a part of another deep playoff run and is motivated by last year’s group.

“We have a strong chemistry both on and off the field, and we’re able to make plays without communication. We just click and always have each other’s backs,” Adames said. “Being a part of this team now and being able to help this team win a district title, and be back in the third round means everything to me.”