JOSEPH TELLO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — As the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats continue to reign atop the competition in District 32-4A, all head coach Brett Esparza wants from his girls is to maintain their high intensity.
And as Rio Hondo took on the Progreso Lady Red Ants on Thursday, the Lady Cats displayed their dominance with a 16-0 win in three innings.
With the victory, Rio Hondo remains perfect in league play with an 8-0 record and marks their fourth shutout of the conference season.
“Moving into this part of district we wanted to bring back some of the things we haven’t done in a while,” Esparza said. “We want to be at full strength in all aspects of the game, showing different sides of ourselves; but I’m happy with the girls’ performance tonight.”
Rio Hondo began the game with back-to-back bunts from Tiana Sandoval and Abby Alvarado to get on base.
The Lady Bobcats then loaded the bases after Alexa Castellanos walked, bringing Bianca Cruz to the plate.
Cruz’s deep hit to midfield platted all her teammates, giving the Lady Bobcats a quick 3-0 lead over the Lady Red Ants.
Rio Hondo would then run wild over Progreso as the Lady Bobcats went on to score six more runs to end the first inning with a commanding 9-0 lead.
The Lady Cats mirrored their performance from the first with another seven runs in the second inning to go up 16-0.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the third, Progreso had their one chance to score some runs, but would fall short in the end.
Rio Hondo pitcher Annie Alvarado iced the game by pitching her eighth strikeout against the Lady Red Ants to seal the victory.
The Lady Bobcats will now travel to Raymondville as they take on the Lady Bearkats on Tuesday at 6 p.m.