KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — With the dust settled and the 2017 softball season in the rearview mirror, the time came for Rio Hondo’s Alexa Castellanos and Jennifer Flores to look toward the future.
Their softball careers will continue as the pair inked their names on the dotted line Wednesday to play softball at Sul Ross State University in Alpine next spring.
“I’m excited to go to Sul Ross,” said Castellanos. “Jenn is coming with me so that makes the transition easier on both of us.”
It was just last week that both Castellanos and Flores made a visit to the university and right away they felt like it was the place for them to be.
“Their coach saw us play and liked what he saw,” Castellanos said. “Coach (Brett) Esparza spoke highly of us and that got their coach to invite us for a visit. I’m open to playing any position, but I know I can play shortstop at the college level.”
Both Castellanos and Flores have played together since their Little League days and saw that togetherness transfer to the varsity level in high school, and now the two will don the Lobo red and black.
The pitcher-shortstop combo played a vital role in Rio Hondo’s recent success. Both were four-year varsity members with Castellanos being the everyday shortstop, and Flores moving between the outfield and serving as the team’s ace.
The Lady Cats saw this year’s bunch not only claim a fourth consecutive district title, but also reach the region finals for the first time in program history.
Castellanos served as a vocal leader on the field while Flores let her work in the circle lead the way.
Castellanos batted over .400 on the season, scored more than 40 runs and collected over 40 hits.
Flores flourished her senior year, stymieing the opposition at every turn. Flores struck out more than 100 batters and also contributed at the plate with a batting average over .400 and over 50 RBIs.
“The trip (to Alpine) was long, but the scenery was nice and both Alexa and I can drive so we split the time driving,” Flores said. “We really enjoyed the campus and their coach was great because he reminded us of Coach Esparza. I want to continue pitching and I’m ready to go, but I’m also OK with playing the outfield.
“Both Alexa and I have an opportunity to play as freshmen next year and we just need to show them what we can do.”