BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
LA JOYA — The La Joya High softball team had a lot going for it last season.
The Coyotes were a senior-laden ball club that banded together and dominated District 30-6A with a 12-0 record.
But 2019 was going to be an entirely different animal. Five starters, including top run producers Alexandria Alaniz and Monica Garcia, as well as ace Sabrina Salinas, moved on after graduation. Some on the outside may have thought they were in for a rebuilding year.
Leslie Ochoa and Jessica Reyna, who soaked in the district champion experience as sophomores, were looked at to lead a team flush with newcomers.
“It was tough losing seven seniors with most of them as starters,” Ochoa said. “When coach (Carlos Rodriguez) said that we would have a whole new team, it was hard to deal with. We had a good team last year and now it meant that we all had to step it up. I tried taking the initiative of being a team captain, and it didn’t work at first. I was a bit shaky the first few games. I was still nervous about it. I’ve been helping out wherever I can, whether it’s with the infielders or the outfielders.”
According to Rodriguez, his “whole new team” couldn’t truly get off the ground when practice started in January.
“What people don’t know about these two kids (Ochoa and Reyna) is that there were injuries in the offseason,” Rodriguez said. “Leslie was out for 10 weeks with a knee injury. She couldn’t pick up a ball or run and Jessica was out for four weeks with a back injury. We didn’t get everybody back until the Zapata game (Feb. 12), but they’ve stepped it up. Last year’s gone, so we can bury that. Now you get to see the game with new eyes. Every time you get on the field, it’s a new experience. That leadership role is going to take them places beyond this game.”
Ochoa and Reyna are already outpacing last season’s stats with half of the district season to play. After hitting .326 with three extra-base hits and 20 RBIs in 2018, Reyna is up to .414 this season with seven doubles, one triple, three home runs and 25 runs batted in.
“I’ve worked a lot harder than I have before,” Reyna said. “Last year was my first year on the varsity team and I was the designated hitter. I learned a lot from the older girls especially Alex(andria Alaniz). When I was doing something wrong, Alex guided me. Monica (Garcia) helped me with my hitting technique as well.
“I switched my batting stance and my mindset. I’d always stress out about batting and I wouldn’t be having fun with it. Now I just get up there and pretend like nothing’s happening other than me playing ball. It’s been better since I’ve calmed down and relaxed. I have the outcome that I want so far.”
Ochoa is the Coyotes’ top hitter with a .488 batting average, five home runs and 30 runs batted in this season. Against Mission High on Tuesday, Ochoa went 3 for 4 with a home run and five RBIs.
“I was looking for base hits last year and this year I’m looking to be the first girl on base to get the team going,” Ochoa said. “I trained over the summer at Taylor Sports Performance in McAllen. They helped with my speed and I can’t thank them enough. My dad told me I can hit six home runs this year, so dad, if you’re reading this, I’m on five right now.”
After its early season hiccups, La Joya High (14-12) finds itself at 4-3 in District 30-6A. The district has been ruled by newcomers PSJA North (7-0 in district) and PSJA High (6-1 in district), but the Coyotes are in the midst of a fascinating race for the final two playoff spots.
On Tuesday, McAllen Rowe scored a walk-off victory over McAllen Memorial, which placed the Warriors, Mustangs and Coyotes in a three-way tie for third place at 4-3.
“We need to continue to break down our defense and improve like we have been with our communication,” Reyna said. “As of now, we’re all playing with our hearts out on the field.”
“We knew it would be a tight district with the middle teams, but we’re excited to be in the mix,” Rodriguez said. “I think some people thought ‘No way’ about us being where we are. We’re putting the ball in play and we hardly strike out. Once we fix our miscues, we’ll be fine.”