KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Adrian Torres capped off a trio of signings this week at Harlingen South by inking a letter of intent to play football at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin this fall.

“I’m excited to continue my playing career at TLU,” said Torres. “TLU has a great program and great academics, and the campus has great scenery. It really felt like home.”

Torres plans to major in marketing and minor in psychology at TLU.

Torres was a three-year varsity member at South and played an important role for the Hawks’ offense, and in the return game.

This past season Torres racked up a team-high 1,037 all-purpose yards while finding the end zone four times. He rushed for 630 yards, had 306 return yards and 100 receiving yards.

Texas Lutheran is a Division III private school out of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are coming off a 2-8 season.

“I plan on playing receiver, but I’m open to playing wherever the team needs me,” Torres said. “I think having to start all over as a freshman will be tough and it’s going to be a challenge getting used to a new environment, but I know I’m ready and excited to be a Bulldog.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Grace Bell made it official this week when she signed her name on the dotted line to play tennis at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

“I have a friend who’s playing tennis over there at St. Mary’s and he introduced me to the coach, and we got along well,” Bell said after a ceremony at the South library on Wednesday.

“I was then invited for a visit, and I got to meet the team and see the campus. Everyone was like one big family.”

Bell was a four-year varsity member at South and put together a strong career. She was a part of four straight district team titles and won three individual league championships as well.

“When I first started playing tennis, I wasn’t sure about playing at the college level,” she said. “I’ve been working really hard the last few years to get to this point and it’s truly a blessing to be able to play at the next level.”

The transition from becoming a high school athlete to a college athlete can be challenging, but it’s a task Bell is prepared for.

“Not being with my family will be tough,” she said. “The competition is going to be tough because the girls up there are the real deal, but I’m excited for the challenge.

“My best memory here (at South) was a few years ago when we went to a tournament and almost beat New Braunfels. We lost the match, but we played so well and went toe-to-toe with one of the best in the state.”

Bell plans to major in marketing once she hits campus later this fall.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN—It was a big day for Harlingen South athletics and basketball standout Leah Noe on Wednesday.

Noe put pen to paper and will now play hoops at LaTourneau University in Longview as she signed her letter of intent at the Harlingen South library in front of friends, family and various well-wishers.

“After I got an email from the school, I went for a visit this past March and I felt like it was the place for me,” said Noe. “It’s going to be tough to be away from my family, teammates and coaches, but I know that without them I couldn’t have done any of this because they motivated me to get better each day.”

While at South, Noe was a three-year varsity member who helped guide the Lady Hawks to three playoff appearances and this past season helped her team claim a bi-district title.

Playing both shooting guard and point guard, Noe averaged seven points per game, nine rebounds per contest and eight assists per outing.

Ever since she could remember, Noe said she always wanted to play basketball.

“This has always been a dream of mine to play basketball,” she said. “At first I didn’t see myself playing in college, but this year I sat down with my coach and we talked about what I could do, and I wanted to make a difference for this program.”

Noe plans to major in kinesiology and wants to become a coach after graduation.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

Lyford softball had quite the season in 2017. The Lady Bulldogs reached new heights by qualifying for the regional quarterfinals along with a perfect district season.

As a result, the Lady Dogs led the 32-3A All-District team with12 selections.

Freshman Jerrica Rojas was unanimously named the league MVP after leading her team in average with a .566 mark. She also led the club in hits with 47, 19 doubles and seven home runs.

“I’m glad I was able to win district MVP as a freshman,” said Rojas. “All my work has paid off and this will only make me work harder for next season. I thank my teammates and coaches because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be in this position,”

Lyford also saw Newcomer of the Year go to freshman Karla Medina. The shortstop batted .232 and collected 16 hits and 17 runs scored.

Offensive Player of the Year went to senior center fielder Kyndra Brown, who finished with a .311 average and led the team in runs scored with 31.

This year’s Defensive Player of the Year unanimously went to Santa Rosa catcher Mariah Contreras.

Coach of the Year was awarded to Lyford’s Joey Rios. In his second year as head coach Rios helped guide the Lady Bulldogs to the third round of the playoffs.

“It’s an honor to receive Coach of the Year,” said Rios. “All the credit goes to my coaching staff and kids because none of this gets done without their hard work and dedication.”

32-3A All-District selections

MVP: Jerrica Rojas, Lyford
Offensive Player of the Year: Kyndra Brown, Lyford
Defensive Player of the Year: Mariah Contreras, Santa Rosa
Newcomer of the Year: Karla Medina, Lyford
Coach of the Year: Joey Rios, Lyford

First Team
Lyford
Pitcher: Evelyn Ortiz
Catcher: Jessica Cruz
First Base: Serena Rodriguez
Second Base: Christina Rocha
Third Base: Sandra Lupercio
Outfield: Adriana Duran, Sydney Bray
Designated Player: Ana Martinez
Santa Rosa
Pitcher: Raeven Robles
Third Base: Skyler Ruiz
Outfield: Cheyenne Rodriguez

Second Team
Lyford
Pitcher: Allix Cortez
Santa Rosa
First Base: Alyssa Saldivar
Shortstop: Kelly Guerra
Outfield: Giselle Espinoza

Honorable Mention
Lyford: Madalyn Rodriguez, Leilani Salazar
Santa Rosa: Ana Gonzalez, Ayisa Perez

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

CORPUS CHRISTI — With a big crowd filling up Corpus Christi’s Cabaniss Field along with Beeville Jones’s band, the atmosphere for Game 1 of the Region IV-4A final was electric.

With Rio Hondo holding a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Beeville Jones’s Jessalyn Burkett hit a two-out RBI double that tied the contest at 4 and sent the game into extra frames.

Felixia Hinojosa then hit a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth that capped off the Lady Trojans’ 7-4 comeback win in Game 1 of the series.

Beeville Jones now leads the best-of-three series 1-0 and can close out the series with a win tonight.

Despite the loss, Lady Cats head coach Brett Esparza remained upbeat about his team’s chances of moving on to the state tournament next week.

“I’m excited for our opportunity in Game 2,” said Esparza. “I told the girls that if we can stick together and fight, and persevere we can make something happen. My heart hurts for the girls right now. They played such a great game and gave a 100 percent effort, but we just came up short.”

It was ace versus ace on Friday as Beeville Jones sent junior Aaliyah Ruiz to the circle while Rio Hondo went with Jennifer Flores. The two quickly locked horns in what was a pitcher’s duel for a majority of the contest.

Despite the late rally from Beeville Jones, Flores managed to pitch her way out of jams with the game tied at 1. In both the third and fourth inning, Flores wiggled out of bases-loaded jams unscathed.

Rio Hondo had a rally of its own in the top of the sixth inning. Junior Bianca Cruz laced in an RBI single that gave the Lady Cats a 2-1 lead. Rio Hondo later scored two more runs on a throwing error that extended the lead to 4-1 after six.

Cruz finished the night 2 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored.

“Our kids will be ready to bounce back tomorrow; they have shown it all year,” Esparza said.

Rio Hondo will look to keep their season alive in Game 2, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. today. If needed, a Game 3 will follow 30 minutes afterward.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — With Thursday marking the last day of the school year at Rio Hondo High School, the Lady Bobcats are still hard at work.

The Lady Cats are primed for a rematch with a familiar adversary in Beeville Jones as Rio Hondo’s season ended last year in the bi-district round at the hands of the Lady Trojans.

The Region IV-4A final gets underway with Game 1 set for 7:30. Game 2 will be played at 5 p.m. Saturday and Game 3, if necessary, will follow 30 minutes afterward. All games will be played at Corpus Christi’s Cabaniss Field.

“We have a good idea on what they (Beeville) will bring,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “However, it’s one of those things were they know us too. We know they do an exceptional job hitting the ball and they have excellent pitching. A lot of their games have been decided by a few runs. Like us, they are coming off an emotional series win. It’s going to be a challenge, but our girls are prepared.”

The Lady Trojans are out of District 30-4A. Entering the postseason, Beeville Jones won its district with a 17-5 overall record.

The Lady Trojans pitching staff has tossed five shutouts in the postseason with Ingleside being the only team to generate some offense and score runs. Beeville Jones will turn to junior ace Aaliyah Ruiz, who is committed to Alabama A&M.

This week’s task may be Rio Hondo’s toughest challenge yet, but the Lady Cats remain cool, calm and collected.

The Lady Cats will turn to their pitching duo of Jennifer Flores and Miranda Martinez. Offensively, Tianna Sandoval, Bianca Cruz and Alexa Castellanos will be key bats in the lineup.

A series win would clinch their first-ever state tournament bid and they would become the third program in Rio Grande Valley softball history to make the state tournament.

Meanwhile, Beeville Jones is looking to get back to the big dance for the first time since 1997.

——–

Community rallying around team

RIO HONDO — The Lady Bobcats have stirred up quite the buzz over the past few weeks.

Rio Hondo is the last softball team standing in the Rio Grande Valley and their latest playoff series win has been the talk of the town.

To no one’s surprise, the Rio Hondo faithful flooded the stands at Sinton High School this past weekend and witnessed an incredible regional semifinal series win.

“Everyone in the community has given us a second wind,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “We’re all tired from the weekend, but when we got to school Monday it was the talk of the school. Everyone was talking about our series win. Everybody knew what we went through over the weekend, but their sup-port gave our girls a shot of adrenalin for Monday’s practice.”

At one point Saturday night, Rio Hondo was trending on Twitter and was the third hottest topic.

With their weekend series beginning tonight, the community is planning on making the trip to Corpus Christi with a fan bus that Rio Hondo High School will be providing for students. Not only will the community be in full force, there will be a graduation ceremony for the seniors after tonight’s game.

“It’s amazing to see our community rally around such a great group of girls,” said Rio Hondo principal Liz Valdez. “What’s amazing about them is they remain humble after every win and will say they are not done yet. Their passion and attitude has really led this community to support them 100 percent.

“You see parents, grandparents, and cousins all come to the games and support the girls. This past weekend was amazing to see all our fans stay out past midnight, but at the end of the day it’s not just about the winning because the kids have such a great attitude.”

Rio Hondo takes on Beeville Jones in Game 1 at 7:30 p.m. today with Game 2 scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday. Game 3, if needed, will follow 30 minutes after Game 2. All games will be played at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi.

“My phone hadn’t stopped ringing. It is amazing to see all the support we are getting and I have been getting support from coaches wishing us luck and congratulating the girls,” Esparza said.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — In softball, the chemistry between a pitcher and catcher is important.

The catcher knows what the best pitch the pitcher should throw and when to throw it.

But in the case of Rio Hondo’s Annie and Abbie Alvarado, it’s more than just chemistry, it’s a special bond.

Annie and Abbie were born Jan. 17, 2000 in Harlingen, but have grown up in Rio Hondo their entire lives.

Annie is the older sister, born just one minute ahead of Abbie. The twins have played softball since they were 4 years old and haven’t stopped since.

“Growing up it was always her and I,” said Annie. “After playing Little League and travel ball, we were ready to play together at the varsity level. It means a lot for us to play for Rio Hondo since this is where we grew up and it’s home for us.”

This past weekend the Lady Cats advanced to the Region IV-4A final after beating Wimberley in a thrilling region semifinal series.

The Lady Cats overcame a pair of extra-inning games and a weather delay, but the turning point in the series came when coach Brett Esparza turned to Annie to pitch in a decisive Game 3.

“We knew we had a fresh arm in Annie,” said Esparza. “We had total faith in her to go out there and get the job done. After the coaches and I talked, we knew having Abbie behind the plate would motivate her (Annie).”

Game 3 was certainly special for the Alvarado family. With Rio Hondo’s season on the line, Annie toed the rubber while Abbie took her spot behind the dish. The chemistry between the two was on full display.

“It meant a lot to me, being able to catch my sister in Game 3,” said Abbie. “It was a great moment for us. It’s one of those moments that we will talk about for a long time. One day we will look back and be able to say we were there for each other and our team.”

The Alvarado duo indeed helped guide the Lady Cats. Annie checked in a complete-game effort while Abbie wound up catching all 32 innings played over the three-game series. Meanwhile Annie’s complete game was the first complete game of the season.

“I was ready to come in and pitch. I told Miranda (Martinez) and Jenny (Flores) it was my turn to get a win,” said Annie.

The work doesn’t stop for the twins when they leave campus as they continue their work at home.

Their father, Chevo, is a part of the coaching staff at Rio Hondo and has also played a major role in their success.

“He is the reason why we are here,” said Annie of her father. “He motivates us and helps us get better each day, and having him here with us means the world to us.”

“As far as we go, we always push each other and get on each other,” Abbie said. “If I see Annie isn’t pitching right, I’ll get on her and tell her to do it this way or that. At the end of the day we know we are there for each other and we are ready for the next challenge with our team.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

Rio Hondo is riding high into its first-ever regional final and a key factor to the Lady Bobcats’ run has been their pitching.

The Valley Morning Star sat down with senior pitchers Jennifer Flores and Miranda Martinez to discuss the Lady Cats’ remarkable postseason run.

Jennifer Flores

Q: How did your arm feel after Game 2 of the regional semifinal series against Wimberley on Saturday?

A: After the game my arm was very sore and it felt very weak, but I knew I could do all I could for my team.

Q: Between Game 1 and Game 2 you pitched 18 innings. Was that the most you’ve ever pitched?

A: Yes, it was the longest I’ve ever pitched in my career.

Q: Walk me through Game 1 and 2. How did you keep your mental edge?

A: The series was one of the most interesting games I was able to be a part of. I knew I had to step up as a leader for my team and keep my composure to let everyone know we would come out with the win.

Q: Was the 15-inning Game 2 the craziest game you’ve ever been a part of?

A: Yes, that game was by far the toughest, craziest game I had ever been a part of. I am very proud of my teammates on how they performed.

Q: How where you able to handle the rain delay in Game 2?

A: During the delay my coach told me to stay warm and keep stretching, so when I came back in to warm up I felt good just like I had left off before the delay.

Miranda Martinez

Q: What was the bus ride back home after beating Wimberley early Sunday morning?

A: On the bus ride home there was only five of us, but we were still excited and in disbelief over the series win. Not that it was unbelievable that we won, but we were still hyped over it. We replayed moments of the game over and over to each other and we’re just amazed at the plays we made.

Q: How has the community rallied around you guys and what was school like when you got back Monday morning?

A: The community is our huge support system. They brought us little gifts throughout the week and went to our games. Looking up in the stands, it feels like there are more than a million people behind us. Coming back, the students and staff congratulated us. It was just an amazing feeling to know that we are a making history and getting the recognition for it.

Q: Do you have a pre-game ritual or a pre-game meal?

A: My pre-game meal is a sausage taco from Stripes and a bag of Cheetos with a water. A pre-game ritual is I always look at my dad before the game starts. It gives me a sense of comfort and confidence.

Q: Entering Game 3 with the series tied, what was your mentality?

A: Our mentality was that we weren’t done and that we were going to win no matter what it took. I was confident in my team and there was no doubt in my mind that we were going to win. We reflected a little on what had just happened in Game 2 and we knew that we weren’t finished. We know that together as a team we are unstoppable.

Q: Who’s your favorite softball player and why?

A: I’ve always looked up to Jennie Finch. When I was 11 years old I went to one of her camps. She shared a story on how she was always the tallest one in her class and parents would always question if she was in the right age division. I could relate to that story and since then she has been my role model and inspiration.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

CORPUS CHRISTI — Harlingen South’s playoff run came to an end Saturday afternoon after a 12-4 Game 2 loss in their Region IV-6A semifinal series against San Antonio Brennan.

Unlike last week when the Lady Hawks were able to rally from a 0-1 hole to advance in the playoffs, this time it was the Lady Bears who overcame an early 3-1 deflect to complete the series sweep and move forward.

The Lady Bears will now face New Braunfels Canyon in the regional finals next week.

The final score may have looked rough, but it didn’t do justice to the valiant effort the Lady Hawks put forth, said South head coach Elias Martinez.

“Our girls played their hearts out,” Martinez said. “I’m proud of their effort. We couldn’t have asked for a better effort and the girls fought to the bitter end. They (Brennan) didn’t get a rally until the last inning and that just shows how tough our girls are.”

Senior Ashley Reyna clubbed a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning that gave South an early 2-0 lead.

However, Brennan cut the lead in half on an RBI single by Christina Michel in the top of the second. South countered with a run of its own that gave the Lady Hawks at 3-1 advantage after two.

In both the third and fourth inning, the Lady Bears capitalized on a pair of miscues. In the third, they tied the game at three off a blooper that fell into shallow left field and in the fourth, an errant throw by third baseman Caitlyn Hejl allowed the Lady Bears to take the lead at 5-3. Both runs scored with two outs on the board.

On a positive note, the Lady Hawks’ offense put the ball in play much better than in Game 1 on Friday.

Reyna, who has had quite the postseason, knocked in a run on an RBI double that got the Lady Hawks within one run at 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Lady Hawks got as the Lady Bears plated six in the seventh inning to put the game completely out of reach.

The RBI double by Reyna was the only run South managed to capitalize on with runners in scoring position. In the third and sixth inning, South had runners on first and second, but failed to put the ball in play.

Despite the series sweep, Harlingen South will lose only Reyna, who played first base, shortstop Jasmin Gallegos and third baseman Daniella Cavazos this offseason.

Meanwhile, pitcher Daisy Gallegos, catcher Krystal Gonzales and center fielder Kaitylnn De La Fuente will return next season, along with the freshman trio of Kayla Rogers, Kytana Muniz and Kelsey Rivera.

“We’re a young team and we have a lot to be proud of, and have plenty to build on,” Martinez said. “The future is bright for Lady Hawks softball.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

CORPUS CHRISTI — The Harlingen South Lady Hawks couldn’t overcome a six-run first inning by San Antonio Brennan as the early barrage led the Lady Bears to a 13-1 series-opening win Friday night at Cabaniss Field.

“We came out flat tonight and they (Brennan) came out aggressive in the first inning,” said South coach Elias Martinez. “We were in this spot last week, down one game and came back and won the series. The kids are upbeat and they know what they need to do. It’s the Sweet 16 and every team is here for a reason, but I know our kids will be ready to bounce back.”

Game 2 of the Region IV-6A semifinal begins at noon today.

The Lady Bears, who are in the regional semifinals for the first time in program history, showed off their offensive power with 13 runs on 13 hits. Kayla Sanchez hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to lead the way.

South’s lone offensive run came courtesy of Kytana Muniz, who hit a leadoff solo shot in the top of the third inning.

Daisy Gallegos got the start for the Lady Hawks, but was pulled after 1 1/3 innings. Kaitlynn De La Fuente came on in relief and tossed the final four frames of the five-inning contest.

The Lady Hawks struggled to find their offensive grove throughout the night. South managed two hits and drew four walks. Both Muniz and De La Fuente went 1 for 2 at the plate.