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.