By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
With yet another impressive playoff series win, the Lady ’Hounds punched their tickets to the State Final Four tournament in Austin.
San Benito cruised by the 25-14 East Central Hornets with a two-game sweep to claim its third Regional Championship in school history. With a combined score of 13-1 over the two games, the Lady ’Hounds pushed their run total to a whopping 415 over 44 games this season as their prolific offense has been the catalyst to the best softball season in Valley history.
Now with 39 wins to just five losses on the season, San Benito has amassed the second-most victories in Texas with just four teams compiling a better winning percentage. While the records and accolades seem never-ending, legendary Head Coach Elias Martinez has been in the spot twice before, failing both times to make the State Championship game. According to Martinez, those failures have led to a stoic, no-nonsense approach to this week’s prep work.
“We still have two more series to win and our expectations are to bring home the first state championship in school history,” said Martinez. “I’ve been here before as a coach, but this is a new team, and they’re the ones who are out there making plays. This is one of the most talented groups I’ve ever had and none of us are ready for our season to be over.”
Standing in the way of the first State Championship game appearance in Valley softball history are the 23-6A District Champs Pearland Lady Oilers. Pearland has been a powerhouse in the State for years and with 70 wins over the last two seasons, including a 38-3 record this year. They represent possibly the toughest opponent in San Benito’s history.
The Lady Oilers won their Regional Championship by delivering a stunning upset of Deer Park with a late-game three-run homer. The upset denied Deer Park its third straight State Tournament appearance.
Want the story in its entirety? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our e-Edition by clicking HERE!
Recent Comments