KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Looking back at the 2017 season, it was certainly a magic carpet ride for Harlingen South. Their most memorable win to date was their game-three win against South San Antonio in the regional quarterfinal that punched the Lady Hawks ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013.
A ground ball down the third base line was played by Caitlyn Hejl and thrown to first base where senior Ashley Reyna tapped on the bag for the third out. The original ruling was out, after a discussion from the umpires, the call stood and South won the game and the series in dramatic fashion.
Here we are a year later; the two will meet once again at Cabaniss Field Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in a one-game playoff in the Class 6A area round.
“Losing that first game and coming back and winning the next two, wow it was crazy it was fun,” said Harlingen South coach Elias Martinez. “That is the beauty about softball; you just never know what can happen. That is why you play the game. The ending was crazy, but that is why you run out the ball and the officials get paid to make the call.”
Although the Lady Hawks have plenty of memories at Cabaniss Field, the field has a new look to it as it went from grass to turf earlier this year. Harlingen South did get some action on it earlier this season at a Corpus Christi tournament and on Thursday, the Lady Hawks practiced at Boggus Stadium which is also a turf field.
“Today was the first time we practiced out here on the turf,” Martinez said. “We wanted the girls to get a feel for the turf. We are getting used to the bounces and we’re doing the little things right now. We are trying to put the girls in a spot where they can be successful and try and simulate some of the game like situations.”
Senior Kaitylnn De La Fuente who pitched and caught in game three is ready to get back to Cabaniss Field and like last year, she will take the circle for the Lady Hawks.
“We did well today, everyone looked strong and had a good practice and adjusted to the turf,” De La Fuente said. “Being down one game, and coming back and winning the series was crazy, it helped us mentally.”
“It was one of the crazier series I have been a part of. I remember switching back and forth from catching and pitching, coach just made all the right calls. I’m a little nervous, but like I have said all year we need to stay mentally tough.”
Junior shortstop Krystal Gonzales played catcher last season and moved to shortstop this year and has provided South with a smooth glove and a big bat in the middle of the Lady Hawks lineup.
“We’re excited to still be playing softball,” Gonzales said. “We have had a great week of practice and having an extra day helps. Last year’s series win against them (South San) but we’re ready to go out there and play.”