CORPUS CHRISTI — The San Benito Greyhounds’ seniors on the softball team were excited about the prospects of having a graduation at Cabaniss Field before even stepping foot in Corpus Christi.
The seniors saved themselves from an awkward graduation by winning the Region IV-6A final and graduating as winners, instead of having to go to Beeville today for a Game 3.
The Greyhounds defeated San Antonio East Central in Game 2 by a score of 2-0 to win the series 2-0 and advance to the Class 6A state semifinal round next week in Austin.
Seniors Emily Delgado, Bethany Aguilar, GG Garcia, Leila Lopez, Kylie Sanchez, Elyssa Ruvio and Patty Mendiola grabbed their cap and gowns as regional champions.
“It is a great feeling,” Delgado said. “I spent so much time with these girls, and there is no place that I would rather be. It is a great feeling to go to state. I am glad to share it with my sisters.”
The Greyhounds’ two runs came off throwing errors by the Hornets. Aguilar scored during the bottom of the fifth after a pickoff attempt by the catcher went wayward and Aguilar sprinted home to make it 2-0.
Sanchez scored during the bottom of the fourth inning after being moved over to third by a bunt. After securing the out, the San Antonio East Central first baseman opted to check Sanchez, who was already safe at third, but the throw missed the third baseman high and Sanchez strolled in to make it 1-0.
“The ball went over and I ran as fast as I could,” Sanchez said. “I do not have the greatest speed, but I was trying to score for my team. It felt amazing knowing I was the first run and doing it on my graduation date. I wanted to do it for my team, coaches and everyone.”
San Antonio East Central outhit San Benito 7-5 with an extra at-bat, but had two errors and San Benito had none. Delgado gave up the odd hit early in the innings, but the defense responded to end the Hornets’ threats.
“We started off a little slow,” Delgado said. “But I know my defense had my back, and we came out here and worked. Every time someone got on first, I looked at my corners and said, ‘Let’s run a double play.’ Sometimes we were just looking for outs.”
Next up for the Greyhounds is the Class 6A state tournament next week at Red & Charline McCombs Field at the University of Texas at Austin. If San Benito wins next Friday in the Class 6A state semifinal, it advances to the state championship game the following day.