KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats continue to etch their name in Valley softball history.
This year’s team became just the second squad in program history to reach the regional quarterfinals and is now the first team in program history to reach the regional semifinals.
This club is quite special and a majority of the girls have played together their entire lives. The chemistry runs deep and the bond is tight.
Teamwork and chemistry aside, the Lady Bobcats can hurt an opponent in many ways and it’s not just one or two players who contribute.
From top to bottom, the lineup provides speed and power, and every night someone different steps up to the plate and contributes.
“It’s amazing what our offense can do,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “Each night somebody different steps up. It’s not just the top of the order or middle, but our whole line up can hit the ball.”
After dropping Game 1 to Orange Grove last Friday, the Lady Cats forced a Game 3 and in the fourth inning, trailing 2-1, junior Bianca Cruz hit a grand slam that shot the Lady Bobcats ahead for good.
“I started in an 0-1 hole and on the next pitch it was a rise ball and, wow, I haven’t seen such a perfect riser in a long time. I just swung and I didn’t even know the ball went over the fence,” Cruz said.
Cruz finished the game with nine RBIs and is just one example on how dangerous the Lady Cats’ lineup can be. So far Cruz is 6 for 12 this postseason.
Tianna Sandoval, who’s hitting 5 for 12 in the playoffs, is the ideal leadoff hitter as she can bunt, hit and hit for power.
Alexa Castellanos, meanwhile, is 4 for 12 and has helped spark the offense several times.
Through the first three weeks of the playoffs, Rio Hondo is averaging nine runs per game and has scored 10 or more runs in all but one contest.
Rio Hondo’s hot offense is set for Wimberley in a Region IV-4A regional semifinal. Game 1 begins at 7:30 tonight. Game 2 begins at 5 p.m. Saturday and Game 3, if needed, will follow 30 minutes after. All games will be played at Sinton High School.
“We’re excited to be here,” said Sandoval. “As a senior to be the first team ever to make it to the Sweet 16 is really something special. We have full confidence in each other and that has helped us get this far. As far as our offense goes, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”