BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
The 2017 season was a rebuilding one at PSJA North as the team finished sixth in District 31-6A. But the Raiders have been fortunate enough to have a coach well-versed with how to build a program from the ground up.
Belinda Treviño is in her second year in Pharr after leading Edinburg Vela to playoff appearances in each of its first three seasons of existence. The girls at PSJA North have started to buy in to Treviño, and their trust is being reflected on the diamond.
“They’re putting in the work they need to put in,” Treviño said. “Taking extra reps, fielding extra grounders, that kind of thing. I think they’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re pushing them to get closer and closer to that light.”
Among Treviño’s standouts have been junior pitcher Heaven Lozano and her sister, Angel, who is a key piece of the Raiders infield.
“Heaven’s our pitcher and our No. 4 hitter, and she has done a great job offensively and defensively,” Treviño said. “She’s taken a leadership role and helps keep the girls in check. Angel is a freshman, and she’s taken over the shortstop position. Every kid has put in their part for the team, but those are the kids who have gotten the job done.”
The Raiders’ 16 wins this season already outpaces last season’s total of 14.
“We run a disciplined program,” Treviño said. “We want our play to match our ‘3D’ softball slogan this season. We want to play with discipline, dedication and determination. We’re pushing this on our girls so they can play with a different mentality.”
One of PSJA North’s biggest wins to date was a 1-0 victory at Edinburg Vela on March 20.
“Taking that win away from Vela put these girls on the map,” Treviño said. “It gave them a name. Our outfield, defensively, just shut things down for us. I was grateful that they stepped up and did what they needed to do.”